Innovating for a brighter future: Independent schools use design thinking to realise students’ highest potential

A new pilot program developed by the Association of Independent Schools of NSW (AISNSW) in conjunction with UK-based consultancy Innovation Unit is utilising “design thinking” to actively cultivate the leaders of tomorrow.

Recognising the needs of an evolving workplace and job market, the AISNSW seeks to develop “new approaches to learning that identify and realise the highest potential in all students”.

Launched in March of this year, the ELEVATE project aligns schools with industry to equip students with the necessary skills to succeed in the 21st Century.

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is an enthusiastic supporter of the project saying: “The skills we need cannot be developed in isolation by schools. Effective partnerships between schools, business and government must be formed to identify and produce our future visionary and strategic leaders and industry innovators who will ensure Australia’s economic prosperity.”

Design thinking stresses collaboration and testing of prototype solutions prior to implementation.

In practice, this means that “ELEVATE will assist our leading educators, drawing on the best examples from around the world, to collaborate and design classroom learning approaches that respond and adapt to the needs of students, that challenge and engage them, so they can make the most of the opportunities that will come their way in the future,” explains AISNSW executive director Geoff Newcombe.

At Knox Grammar boys’ school on Sydney’s upper North Shore, ELEVATE is an essential part of its Quality Teaching platform providing “evidence, ideas and resources for our teachers to further improve their ability to extend and support all of our students.”

Meanwhile, at North Sydney girls school Wenona, design thinking is incorporated into the curriculum as part of the school’s Science, Technology, Maths and Engineering (STEM) learning program.

Wenona conducts Design Thinking days during which students solve technical problems using a five-step method of Empathise (develop a deep understanding of the challenge); Define (clearly articulate the problem you want to solve); Ideate (brainstorm potential solutions then select and develop a solution); Prototype (design a prototype to test your solution); and Test (engage in a continuous short-cycle innovation process to continually improve your design).

“Design Thinking projects allow engineering to be applied to real-world situations in a variety of curricular areas,” says Wenona’s head of STEM Studies Andy Draper.

“Many jobs of the future are expected to be in STEM fields,” Mr Draper says. “A familiarity and active involvement with STEM, developed by a range of interesting and exciting enrichment and extension activities, is helping to make a difference in students’ sense of involvement and their success in these areas.”

Wenona principal Dr Briony Scott concurs, “Wenona is breaking new ground in this area and we’re excited by the direction this is setting for our school.”

To learn more about these and other leading-edge initiatives being undertaken by independent schools, visit the North Shore Schools Expo. Staff and students from the state’s top schools will be available to answer your questions and provide detailed information about their establishments. This is an excellent opportunity to find the right school to maximise your child’s potential.

North Shore Schools Expo
When: Saturday, August 6 and Sunday, August 7
Time: 10 am to 4 pm, both days
Where: The Concourse Chatswood, 409 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood
Admission: Free

Read more:

Design thinking: new way to spark potential – Tim Dodd, Australian Financial Review, April 4, 2016
http://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/resources.farm1.mycms.me/ics-nsw-edu-au/Resources/NewsImages/Tongarra/Elevate%20AFR%2004Apr16.pdf

ELEVATE media release – AISNSW and the ACCI, March 23, 2016
https://www.aisnsw.edu.au/Publications/News/Documents/Elevate%20launch%2023Mar16%20-%20media%20release.pdf

Quality Teaching – Knox Grammar School website http://www.knox.nsw.edu.au/about/knox-initiatives/quality-teaching

Putting the E in STEM – Powerpoint presentation by Andy Draper, Head of STEM Studies, Wenona School
https://www.aisnsw.edu.au/Services/Partnerships_in_Education/STEM/Documents/2015_Leadership/3Ab_Putting_the_E_in_STEM.pdf

STEM learning – Wenona School website
http://www.wenona.nsw.edu.au/teachinglearning/stemlearning.cfm