ESHS Minister’s Innovation Challenge team. Front L-R: Oliver Doney, Liam Minchin, Keira Bell, Sophie Suttar. Back L-R: Charlie Wooldridge, Alyssia Bain, Jordan Mackenzie
Esperance locals will tell you our coastal granite rocks are as slippery as soap when they are wet, presenting a dangerous hazard for anyone who thinks they can stand on them or climb them.
A group of Esperance Senior High School students have placed fourth in the Minister’s Innovation Challenge 2024, winning $3000 for their school for their public awareness plan.
A government spokesperson said this year’s challenge involved students from 40 schools who spent eight weeks engaging in entrepreneurial learning and design thinking for the project.
“With support from industry mentors, students apply design thinking, developing innovative solutions to a local issue or problem,” they said.
Seven students from ESHS came away with fourth prize for their campaign to raise awareness about the risks caused by slipping off coastal rocks.
“The team’s plan was to use Augmented Reality (AR) in a scatter-bomb campaign to inform both locals and tourists that while the black algae on coastal rocks may seem harmless, it can be dangerous when wet,” the spokesperson said.
They said the top five schools were announced during an online exhibition and $35,000 prize money was shared between the winners.
ESHS received $3000 for their efforts.
Education Minister Tony Buti said the challenge was important to inspire innovation in the young generations.
“It is integral that students have rich learning opportunities that equip them with the necessary thinking and skills to navigate real-life issues,” he said.
“This challenge supports young people prepare to lead and innovate in our changing world and offers students the opportunity to connect with the local community as well as industry partners.”
