Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery today announced the top three prize winners in the inaugural Minister’s Innovation Challenge 2022.
The winning teams were named during an online exhibition and have been recognised for their outstanding problem-solving skills and creative solutions to real-world problems.
Christmas Island District High School won this year’s top prize for their innovative solution to help sea turtles and will receive $3,000. The idea to develop an INVISA-RED mobile phone red-light filter for turtle observers helps turtles to see at night, without harming them.
Hammond Park Secondary College won second prize for its idea to improve mental health and wellbeing for students. The development of a student-led wellbeing committee to support fellow students secured the $2,000 second prize.
Third prize went to Exmouth District High School for their innovative solution to address an increase in visitors next year as part of the Ningaloo Total Solar Eclipse over Exmouth. The school’s team came up with an app to deliver relevant information to tourists, helping them to enjoy their experience while also preserving the natural environment.
Overall, 20 public schools participated in the challenge – representing all eight education regions across Western Australia – providing an opportunity for Year 8 students across the State to get involved.
The Minister’s Innovation Challenge is part of the Career Learning Toolkit developed to address the need for students to learn about different career options.
The inaugural challenge – facilitated by Generation Entrepreneur – ran for four weeks during Term 4, with the top team’s final pitches showcased online through the Minister’s Innovation Challenge 2022 exhibition.
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
“This year’s inaugural Minister’s Innovation Challenge has demonstrated the incredible problem-solving and critical thinking skills evident in our public schools.
“It has been inspiring to see the creative solutions developed and wonderful collaboration between dedicated teachers, enthusiastic students, and supportive industry mentors.
“The McGowan Government is committed to enhancing career development opportunities for public school students.
“This involves preparing young people to lead and innovate in this changing world, and the inaugural Minister’s Innovation Challenge has been a fantastic example of this work in action.”
