Big Ideas, Bright Futures – Spark6
Our Year 6 classrooms were buzzing with creativity, compassion and courage today, as our students unveiled their Spark6 emPOWER projects at the annual Convention for Change.
The event marked the culmination of weeks of inquiry and innovation, where students tackled the big question: “How might we use technology as a tool for positive change in future Perth?”
This real-world learning challenge is grounded in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Spark6 empowers our girls to think deeply about the world around them and how they can shape a better future.
Innovative Education in Action
Throughout the term, students explored key issues such as living conditions, pollution, and inclusivity. They were guided through the design thinking process: Define, Discover, Dream, Design, Deliver, and along the way, explored technologies like iMovie, 3D printing, Minecraft, website creation, and even green screen filming.
This wasn’t just about tech for tech’s sake. It was about using digital tools with purpose.
The result? Creative, considered solutions to real-world problems and a powerful reminder of what young people can achieve when they are trusted to lead.
Real Problems, Real Solutions
Two projects on display at the Convention for Change highlighted both the heart and the smarts of our students.
One group asked “How might we use technology to make public spaces more inclusive for neurodiverse people?”
Their solution? Specialised headphones designed to reduce sensory overload at large events to “block out excess noise but still let you hear the commentator or performer,” explained one student. “There’s even a ‘Help’ button so support workers can find you quickly.”
Another group looked at how they could use technology to address the non-inclusive treatment towards First Nations people. The students’ solution is to create a VR experience educating people about the history, culture and language.
These ideas were just two of the many powerful, practical and deeply thoughtful projects presented.
Student Voice - Driven by Passion, Guided by Purpose
Throughout Spark6, students not only explored technology and sustainability, they also discovered more about themselves as learners, collaborators and creators.
Here’s what a few had to say about the experience:
Ari (6.8): “I liked that our groups are mixed across classes so we could collaborate with different people.”
Hannah (6.8): “I have enjoyed the creative side of our project, constructing a model to demonstrate what our solution can do!”
Angelica (6.10): “I have enjoyed thinking outside the box!”
Zoe (6.6): “I like the home base idea for the project. We had an allocated spot, and the same teacher to help us through the process because they knew what we were doing.”
These reflections show how Spark6 is not just about solving problems, it’s about building confidence, strengthening connections, and nurturing a sense of ownership in learning.
Reflecting on the Process
Kate Warchomij, Year 6 teacher, shared her perspective on what makes this project so special for staff as well as students:
“As a teacher, it can sometimes be difficult to relinquish control to your students, but over the years, that is one of the parts of Spark6 that is most enjoyable. We are given the opportunity to see what our students are capable of in a new way, and they never fail to impress with their creativity and adaptability as they develop essential collaboration and critical thinking skills.
“The process involves a lot of background work as teachers. We aim to provide the students with essential knowledge and provocations for them to connect to problems that matter to them. Then we slowly hand over the reins, while supporting them along the way. It’s an exciting project to be a part of, and we are always incredibly proud of what the students come up with!”
A Proud Moment
The project culminated with Convention for Change, a time for students to show off their work to their parents and guests. It was clear from the conversations around each display board that our students weren’t just presenting ideas, they were sharing purpose.
Parents, staff and visitors were deeply moved by the effort, insight and empathy on display. Many commented on the confidence and clarity with which students explained complex ideas, and the deep sense of responsibility they felt for improving the world around them.
This is real-world learning. Throughout Spark6, our students were inspired by alumni Marion Burchell and our Principal Jennifer Oaten. They were guided by our Mercy values and driven by a desire to help others.
Spark6 is a key component of our emPOWER program, a signature Santa Maria College initiative designed to develop ethical, future-ready thinkers who lead with confidence and compassion. It’s just one of the many ways we connect learning to life, empowering our students to turn big ideas into meaningful action.
The ideas our students have come up with are exceptional, but so too is their empathy, their teamwork and their belief that they can make a difference.
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Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
