Big Ideas Challenge

Friday the 16th of September was an exciting day for twelve Year 8 students. These students participated in the Big Ideas Challenge, a first for St Andrews College.

The challenge was held at Gilroy College and facilitated by Nicole Dyson, the Founder and CEO of Future Anything. 

In the workshops leading up to the challenge the students learnt that being a job creator has great potential for a successful career. Job creation can strengthen our community, build financial stability and protect the sustainability of our environment.

During the day students recognised that developing entrepreneurial skills, which include leadership, business management, time management, creative thinking and problem-solving are core to sustaining a career. Ms Dyson informed the students that if your core skill is following instructions then you will become unemployable very fast.

What is important for success in the workplace is to be adaptable, have empathy, display strong collaboration and have an abundance of initiative to solve a multitude of problems.

For a team to be successful it must have three types of people. These people are known as: organisers; people centred; and doers.

• The organisers are the people who manage the project from beginning to end.
• The people centred members are the confident pitchers and presenters, have excellent communication skills and speak freely on behalf of the team.
• The doers are the people who get the job done - they are very task centred.

The students participated in many activities to establish where their strengths and weaknesses lie. They also identified what their passions were and learnt that collaboration works best when the team’s values and passions are aligned. They also learnt that making money is a good motivator and helps to sustain the business idea.

With this knowledge students then sought other like minded students to develop their entrepreneurial skills and develop a sustainable business idea. Students then participated in a Shark Tank style competition. 

Our students are to be commended on their excellent behaviour and participation in the event. I would like to sincerely thank Ms Serbin for her support, attendance and photography on the day.