Innovate

Purpose

Innovate is a self-directed learning project in which students can pursue an area of particular interest to them. They may choose to investigate and solve a real-world problem or design a technical project that will stretch their capacity and develop their critical and creative thinking and hands-on skills. Any potential topic must be of sufficient intellectual rigour to justify a prolonged period of study, and may be related to society, technology, the environment or any other area. Having reviewed current research and developments they will propose their own solution or improvement, then develop their concept to completion.

Students can choose their own direction, with approval, but here are some examples of potential projects: 

• Creating a social media campaign to counter a particular injustice 

• Establishing a social enterprise focused on improving a particular area of mental health 

• Developing and launching a carpooling app for a church or school community 

• Designing, coding, 3D printing and assembling the components for a pickup and delivery drone 

• Manufacturing a solar go-kart or innovative in-home appliance.

The aim of the subject is to provide students with the chance to develop some of the essential skills necessary to succeed in university and the workplace. They will learn to work collaboratively, be selfdirected, think critically and creatively, apply research skills, develop their time management and negotiation skills, and take an active role in learning about their own learning.

Structure and Content

The subject will begin with an investigation into the process of innovation, with project examples and a trial run on a group project, before students begin the process of planning and investigating their own project. They may choose to work individually or in pairs to carry out the design process through to production (or launch), evaluation and improvement of their innovation. They will be encouraged to extend themselves outside of their comfort zone, consider their strengths and weaknesses, try and fail, re-evaluate, negotiate to obtain the resources they need, and never give up. Regular boardroom meetings, think-tank sessions and mini presentations will develop their confidence, and collaborative and communication skills.