We’re delighted to announce that Angellica Bell will be a judge for our V&A Innovate National Schools Challenge 2024 – 25.   

Angellica Bell is TV presenter and Radio host. Angellica’s career started at Children’s BBC and is well known for presenting on The One Show and for co-presenting The Martin Lewis Money Show. Other recent appearances include being the presenter on Shop Smart, Save Money, yearly coverage of The Chelsea Flower Show and Sunday Morning Live. Angellica won the 2017 series of Celebrity MasterChef. 

We spoke to Angellica about being on the panel and why design is important to her.

What are you most looking forward to as a V&A Innovate judge, and why?

As a V&A Innovate judge, I’m most looking forward to seeing the fresh, original ideas that students bring to the table. The chance to witness how young people interpret and respond to real-world challenges with creativity and ingenuity is incredibly exciting. I’m particularly eager to see how they combine art, design, and technology in innovative ways. The energy and passion that come from young minds are truly inspiring, and I’m thrilled to be part of a process that could help shape the future of design and innovation.

What do this year’s themes of ‘Belong, Celebrate and Transform’ mean to you?

This year’s themes of ‘Belong, Celebrate, and Transform’ resonate deeply with me as they capture the essence of what it means to be part of a dynamic and inclusive society.

Belong speaks to the importance of community and the need for everyone to feel connected and valued, regardless of their background.

Celebrate reminds us to honour our diverse cultures, achievements, and the unique perspectives each person brings to the table.

Transform is about embracing change and innovation, driving progress, and creating a better future. Together, these themes inspire a powerful message of unity, joy, and forward-thinking that I believe is crucial in today’s world.

Why is design important to you?

Design is important to me because it shapes the way we experience the world. As a woman of colour, I see design as a powerful tool for storytelling, representation, and empowerment. It has the ability to challenge perceptions, break down barriers, and create spaces where everyone feels seen and included. Good design goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about solving problems, making everyday life better, and reflecting the diversity of our society. It’s a way to innovate and push boundaries, creating a future where everyone has a voice. For me, design is a form of expression that can inspire change and connect us all.

What invention/innovation could you not live without?

There are so many innovations we use that we probably think are vital but we could actually live without if we adapted the way we do thinks and had some patience. For me, it would have to be the oven as I love baking and cooking and no matter what, we need to eat. Who doesn’t love a homemade Victoria Sponge!

Can you share any top tips for the students taking part in the V&A innovate this year?

Embrace Your Unique Perspective: Your individual experiences and background offer valuable insights. Use them to bring a fresh and original approach to your ideas.

Think Big but Start Small: While it’s great to have ambitious ideas, begin with a clear, manageable concept and build from there. Focus on creating something impactful, even if it starts on a smaller scale.

Collaborate and Seek Feedback: Don’t hesitate to collaborate with others and seek feedback. Different viewpoints can enhance your project and provide new directions.

The trick is to actually ‘make’ it, not just think/talk about it. Action speaks louder than words. Education – and indeed Society – needs more Action.

V&A Innovate judge’s advice

V&A Innovate is an annual National Schools Challenge, asking students in years 7, 8 and 9 to work in teams to design a solution to a real-world problem.

This short film is focussed on the third phase of Innovate SHARE, helping students present team ideas and their Innovate projects to an audience at their school or at Pitching & Awards day.

Register to take part in Innovate 2024 – 25

Could your students design with empathy and challenge the status quo? Register to take part on the V&A Innovate webpage and enter your students’ ideas by 10 January 2025.

V&A Innovate is the V&A’s annual National Schools Challenge offering students in years 7, 8 and 9 the opportunity to design a solution to a real-world problem inspired by the V&A’s collections.