The Year 7 and 8 girls were in for a treat when Nicole Dyson, multi-award-winning educator and entrepreneur, conducted a dynamic workshop that helped them turn everyday problems into creative solutions. Dyson, known globally for her work in project-based learning and youth entrepreneurship, engaged the girls in a full-day brainstorming session that was as energetic as it was enlightening. 

The room buzzed with activity as sticky notes flew, laptops hummed, and ideas bounced around. The girls were encouraged to let their creativity flow, with no idea considered too outlandish during the brainstorming stage. Once each group had settled on an idea, they moved on to prototyping their solutions. The girls then pitched their prototypes to small groups with the best ideas moving forward to be presented to the entire cohort.

Among the innovative concepts were apps promoting kindness on social media, a high-tech device enforcing social media limits, and the standout idea—a public-toilet-cleaning robot that promised to transform unpleasant experiences into far more hygienic encounters. This winning pitch by Juliet Dryden and Lucia Zhang took away top prize, earning them a pair of stylish drink bottles. Most importantly, every participant walked away with newfound confidence and inspiration.

Nicole Dyson's workshop didn't end there; she also led a staff professional development session focusing on innovative teaching strategies to foster curiosity and creativity and spark student engagement.The session provided fresh insights and an opportunity for staff to work collaboratively while exploring new approaches and tools to complement their teaching practices.

Dyson's visit left a lasting impression, demonstrating that with the right guidance, young minds can generate solutions with the potential to shape the future. She passionately believes that “youth-led ideas have the power to bend the future”. At Saint Kentigern Girls’ School, we are committed to providing opportunities for our girls to act upon their curiosity and pursue what might initially seem like crazy ideas, knowing that they could become the next big solutions.

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