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I orea te tuatara ka patu ki waho
A problem is solved by continuing to find solutions
Undertaking a Technology Scholarship at Secondary School level typically involves a rigorous course of study that focuses on the principles and applications of various technological fields. This may include subjects such as computer science, engineering, electronics, robotics, and information technology. Scholars may be required to take advanced classes in these subjects and may also be expected to participate in research projects, competitions, and other extracurricular activities related to technology. Additionally, scholarship recipients may be given opportunities to work with industry professionals and gain real-world experience in their field of study. The goal of the Technology Scholarship is to provide students with a strong foundation in technology and prepare them for future careers in these fields.
What Makes a Good Technology Scholarship Project
What Makes a Good Technology Scholarship Project
Overall, a good high school digital technologies project should aim to support and inspire the next generation of digital technologies leaders, and help to build a more diverse and inclusive digital technology industry.
Your process should include:
A high level of thinking
You should seek opportunities to connect with mentors in industry to help you develop skills and gain practical experience
Diversity and inclusion
Community involvement
Long-term support
There are certain traits that you should aim to include in your project. Here are some suggestions:
Originality and Innovation: Your project should be innovative and demonstrate creativity. It should be something new that has not been attempted before.
Technical Proficiency: Your project should showcase your technical skills, and demonstrate your ability to utilise various tools, technologies and software in a meaningful way.
Impact and Relevance: Your project should demonstrate its potential impact on society, economy or any other domain relevant to the outcome. It should be aligned with the values and mission of the direction taken.
Clear Objectives: Your project should have clear objectives that you aim to achieve with the project. The objectives should be achievable and realistic.
Quality: Your project should demonstrate a high level of quality, with a professional and polished finish. It should be well-organised, coherent, and free of errors.
Ability to Communicate: Your project should be presented in a clear and engaging manner. You should be able to communicate your ideas effectively, and to present your project in a way that is easy to understand.
Collaboration: Your project chould demonstrate that you have the ability to work well in a team and/or collaborate with others.
Overall, the key to a successful scholarship project is to demonstrate that you have a clear understanding of the topic, and that you have the skills and creativity to make a significant contribution to the field of digital technologies.
Big Picture Ideas to get you Thinking
Big Picture Ideas to get you Thinking
There are many significant problems facing us in the next few years that require urgent solutions.
Here are a few of the most pressing:
1. Climate & Environmental Crisis
1. Climate & Environmental Crisis
Climate change and extreme weather remain among the most pressing risks, ranking second for immediate concern in the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2025. World Economic ForumRisk & Insurance
Environmental degradation, including biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse, dominates the long-term risk outlook. World Economic Forum+1
A global coral bleaching event (2023–2025) has impacted an unprecedented ~84% of reef ecosystems. Wikipedia
Plastic pollution, e-waste, deforestation, air pollution, water scarcity, and fast-fashion waste are all escalating environmental hazards. Decoding BiosphereTariff
2. Geopolitical Instability & Conflict
2. Geopolitical Instability & Conflict
State-based armed conflict (e.g. Ukraine, Middle East, Sudan) is now the number-one immediate global risk, according to the WEF 2025 risk survey. World Economic Forum+1
Geoeconomic confrontation, such as trade wars, sanctions, and geo-tech restrictions, is rapidly rising in urgency. World Economic ForumRisk & Insurance
3. Misinformation, Polarization & Disinformation
3. Misinformation, Polarization & Disinformation
Misinformation and societal polarization remain dominant short-term threats, undermining trust and cohesion. World Economic Forum+1
4. Cybersecurity & Technological Risks
4. Cybersecurity & Technological Risks
Growing concern around cyber espionage, warfare, and AI risks, particularly as these technologies integrate deeply into society. World Economic ForumRisk & Insurance
Global attention to building ethical, inclusive AI governance frameworks is rising. Over 50 nations joined an AI summit declaration promoting transparency, equality, and sustainability; the US and UK notably did not sign. Wikipedia
Academic research calls for surveillance, privacy, and consent design in youth-facing AI tech—very relevant for young digital citizens. arXiv+2arXiv+2
5. Global Health & Inequality
5. Global Health & Inequality
Issues like pandemic preparedness, mental health, and healthcare disparity remain important—not currently ranked at the very top of risk but still integral contextually from UN and research frameworks.
These are just a few of the major challenges facing us in the next few years that require urgent solutions. Addressing these issues will require collaboration, innovation, and a sustained effort from individuals, governments, and organisations around the world.
Structure & Deadlines
Structure & Deadlines
There are a number of requirements you will need to meet throughout the year to enter a Digital Technologies Project in the Technology Scholarship
Phase 1 | Inquiry due end of Term 1
Phase 1 | Inquiry due end of Term 1
If you intend to enter Technology Scholarship you must complete an Inquiry to start your project.
If Inquiry is not taught as part of your course you can find information on it here. If you need some more help you can speak to Mrs Maddaford, Mr Creighton or Mr Rodkiss.
If you need help with how to set up your project doc you can see Mrs Maddaford.
An inquiry is important to undertake at the start of a digital technologies project because it helps to gather information and identify the specific needs and requirements of the project. An inquiry allows the project team to understand the problem that the project is trying to solve, the user needs, and the context in which the project will be used. This information is crucial for making informed decisions about the project's scope, objectives, and technical requirements.
Conducting an inquiry also allows you to identify any potential risks, challenges, or constraints that may impact the project's success. By understanding these factors early on in the project, you can plan accordingly and take steps to mitigate or address them. Additionally, an inquiry can help to identify any external stakeholders who may be impacted by the project or who can provide valuable input or feedback.
Overall, an inquiry is an important step in the project planning process that helps to ensure that the project is well-defined, well-designed and will meet the needs of its users.
This needs to be completed in Term 1 and be marked at an Excellence level for you to continue down the Technology Scholarship path.
Phase 2 | Design - due Term 2 week 5
Phase 2 | Design - due Term 2 week 5
The design phase of a technology project is important because it sets the foundation for the entire project. During the design phase, you define the project's goals and objectives, creates a high-level plan for how the project will be executed, and identifies any potential risks or challenges that may arise. It is also the time when key decisions are made about the overall architecture and technology stack that will be used. By thoroughly planning and designing the project during this phase, the team can ensure that the project stays on track and is completed on time and within budget. Additionally, the design phase is crucial for creating a clear and comprehensive project plan that can be used to communicate the project's progress to stakeholders.
This needs to be completed by Week 5 Term 2 and be marked at an Excellence level for you to continue down the Technology Scholarship path.
Phase 3 | Development
Phase 3 | Development
At this point in your project you have completed the ground work to set up the base for a great development process.
You will work on developing your DT outcome, based on the design you have created, from Mid Term 2 to about the end of Term 3.
During your development process you will need to meet with Mr Creighton at least twice to go through your progress. These meetings will take place on Wednesday morning during period 1 (study leave / tutorial slot) and you need to set up 2 meetings and attend these, if further guidance is required there will be no problems given you have worked through phase 1 and 2 and attended your scheduled meetings.
By the end of Term 3 you should have a working Prototype that has been tested in the intend environment with end users.
DT Scholarship Exemplars
DT Scholarship Exemplars
Note that these are what scholarship looks like at the end. You need to work through the process above first.
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