Innovation
Problem-solving
critical thinking
9-10
about the program
Future Thinkers aims to build creative and innovative problem-solving skills through the process of design thinking.
Design thinking is a human-centred approach to innovation increasingly used by organisations to transform challenges into opportunities. Research on the future of work indicates that these problem-solving, critical thinking and judgement skills are key transferable enterprise skills for the Australian workforce to remain competitive and thrive in a rapidly changing global economy.
Future Thinkers can be delivered face-to-face in the workplace or digitally. It involves small groups of students working with mentors in teams to create solutions to a problem using design thinking methodology. Students, typically from Years 9-10, present their solution to the challenge at the end of the program.
Mentors sharing their own career journeys and challenges can make an enormous impact as students consider their options for the future. No prior knowledge of design thinking is required.
Read how the learning outcomes of our Future Thinkers program address key Australian Curriculum General Capabilities.
Program time commitment
Face-to-face delivery: 3 hrs total for students, 3 hrs 30 min total for mentors
Digital delivery: 2 hrs total for students, 2 hrs 30 min total for mentors
said they now understand what design thinking is
said they are now able to develop creative solutions to problems
— Future Thinkers student“The Future Thinkers program helped me personally to improve my ideas and communicate with others in a fun way.”