Grade 6 & 7 Design Thinking Challenge - 26 March 

This term, our Grade 6 and 7 children stepped into the shoes of real-world designers, thinkers and collaborators as they took on a challenge that was as imaginative as it was meaningful:

“How might we use a piece of land at Clifton to make a difference in our school community?”

Guided by the Design Thinking process, our young innovators went through five stages — Empathise, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test,each one driven by curiosity, compassion, and creativity.

It all began with empathy. Armed with maps and big questions, the children explored the unused plot of land and interviewed other children. They listened deeply, observed thoughtfully, and mapped out what others saw, said, felt, and needed. These early insights became the heart of their design thinking.

From there, they worked in teams to define a real problem worth solving. No two teams saw the challenge quite the same way, and that’s where the magic happened.

With wild ideas welcomed and sticky notes flying, the ideation stage came to life! Children generated and combined ideas, stretched their thinking, flipped perspectives, and finally chose their top solutions to build. Using recycled materials, their imaginations took shape, from peaceful sensory spaces to action-packed nature playgrounds and eco-classrooms under the trees.

Then came the ultimate test: Shark Tank Moment. With models in hand and hearts pounding, the teams presented their ideas to a panel of “Sharks” (our brave teachers!) who offered feedback, encouragement, and thoughtful questions. True to the spirit of design thinking, the children reflected, iterated, and considered how their ideas could grow even stronger.

This wasn’t just a school project. It was a Clifton moment: rich in purpose, steeped in collaboration, and fuelled by joy and ingenuity. Our children didn't just design spaces, they designed hopeful possibilities.

As we look ahead, we know that whatever becomes of that land, it has already served its greatest purpose: to spark imagination, empathy, and community in the minds of the children we champion.