On Wednesday 3 November, a team of seven students represented Concordia at the Unley Council Design-athon - Tom, Josh, Mae, Matilda and Sophie (Year 8) and Lily and Macy (Year 9).

On the day, the City of Unley’s Living Young Reference group announced a challenge centred around the theme of mental health for young people. Participating local schools then had to problem solve, design a civic project and present their innovative idea in a three-minute “pitch” to a panel of judges. This event was based on industry hackathon challenges, and was designed to challenge, inspire and empower young leaders.

The Design-athon provided opportunities for students to:

• Better understand real-world social issues affecting local young people
• Practice teamwork, effective problem solving and creative thinking
• Engage meaningfully with their local Council and accumulate leadership experience in representing their school and their fellow young Unley citizens
• Advocate for other young people in the community.
• Gain first-hand understanding of civic engagement, the role of council and how it provides services for the community.

Our team demonstrated focus, creativity, open-mindedness and curiosity. Students worked within a tight timeframe to brainstorm ideas, suggest specific strategies and develop a program to solve the challenge, ensuring their ideas were inclusive of people from diverse backgrounds, and accessible to people with disabilities. Students presented their “pitch” on stage to the three-member guest judging panel, the Deputy Mayor of Unley, elected Council members, Council volunteers and Headspace mentors. There was very tough competition – teams from Walford, Unley High School and Glenunga International High School. The team was excited to hear Concordia’s name called as the winning pitch. Students can now look forward to developing their ideas and having an opportunity to formally share their concepts with Unley Council for consideration in 2022. The team has also won a wellbeing package for our school from Growing with Gratitude. This prize package totals over $2500 in value.

Congratulations to all students who took part in this engaging and exciting event.

Emma Rieger
Enrichment and Extended Learning