IGNITE in Action – Bridges, Dignitaries & Brilliant Minds

June 30, 2025

Curiosity, creativity and critical thinking have been front and centre in our IGNITE program this term. Designed for gifted and talented students in Years 5 to 8, the program offers enriching opportunities that extend beyond the standard curriculum and encourage students to engage deeply with real-world concepts.

Let’s find out what our Years 5 and 6 IGNITE students have been up to this term.

Year 6: Building Bridges and Building Skills

Throughout the semester, Year 6 students have been immersed in an engineering-focused project centred on bridge construction. Their learning journey began with a challenge: to build a bridge with no prior planning. This initial task laid the foundation for deeper inquiry and reflection.

From there, students explored the scientific principles behind successful structures. They learned about different bridge types, like Truss, Beam and Suspension, and how materials, physics and engineering intersect to create strong, functional designs. Working in small teams, they designed and constructed model bridges capable of holding impressive loads, some up to 16kgs!

Importantly, the students created their own assessment rubric, developing criteria for success and evaluating each other’s work with thoughtfulness and care. This allowed them to take ownership of the learning process and practise giving constructive feedback.

Kathryn, Year 6 IGNITE, shared: “One thing I really like about IGNITE is that we get to learn something new each term. It’s always exciting because the topics are different and interesting, and we get to be creative by making things that are linked to what we’re learning.”

Oliva, Year 6 IGNITE, said: “I love putting my creativity to the max and working with new people! I loved experimenting with pasta and spray paint!”

The final products of their hard work were proudly on display at the Bridge Competition last Friday.

Year 5: A Day for the Dignitaries

In Year 5 IGNITE, students have been busy preparing for a unique showcase titled Day for the Dignitaries. Each student selected a notable historical figure who has made a significant contribution to society and humanity. After submitting a written proposal justifying their choice, students engaged in research, exploring the personal and professional lives of their chosen dignitaries.

Their research evolved into a series of written and creative pieces that highlight their dignitary’s motivations, challenges and triumphs. Each student also curated a presentation space to reflect their figure’s achievements and legacy using thoughtful design, costumes and symbolic items.

Chloe, Year 5 IGNITE, said: “I love IGNITE because we are always learning new things in a fun and out of our comfort zone way.”

Emilia, Year 5 IGNITE, reflected: “I like IGNITE because I get to use my thinking in all different types of ways.”

Parents were invited to attend the showcase and celebrate the depth of learning and creativity on display.

A Celebration of Excellence

IGNITE exemplifies the Mercy value of Excellence. These students have demonstrated problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration and adaptability in every stage of their learning. They have taken on challenges, explored ideas in depth, and presented their findings with confidence and creativity.

Through IGNITE, our gifted learners are empowered to grow their talents in a way that is both inspiring and purposeful.

Stay tuned next term to find out what our Years 7 and 8 IGNITE students are up to.

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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.