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Global Design Challenge

The 2024 Global Design Challenge program is developed for secondary school students to enhance their critical and creative thinking skills, and global competencies through the lens of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Teacher with group of students at work

The program is delivered through Tech Schools to facilitate collaboration between local and offshore students. It equips them with the tools to apply practical STEM solutions to real-world problems in areas such as clean energy technology, health, digital games, waste and resource recovery. The program is supported by industry partners internationally.

Benefits for students

The program helps students to:

  • develop capabilities in STEM utilising contemporary technology and practices
  • provide opportunities for international collaboration, fostering global perspectives and intercultural understanding
  • empower their voice and agency through inquiry and project-based collaboration.

Program structure

The 2024 activities are aligned with the Framework of Improving Student Outcomes (FISO) 2.0 and the Victorian Curriculum F-10.

This year's Global Design Challenge will be offered by four Tech Schools across the state with a focus on:

  • game development and E-sport
  • new energy technology
  • sustainability and waste management
  • forensic science
  • United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG).

Below is an outline of the different Global Design Challenge activities offered by Tech Schools:

Name of school Program titleThemes Partner country Delivery dates Year levelPlaces
​Knox Innovation Opportunity and Sustainability Centre (KIOSC) TrashBot Program and Forensic Science Online Sustainability and waste management, forensic science ​India and Sri Lanka Terms 2, 3 and 4 Years 9 to 10 ​Fully booked
Gippsland Tech School International New Energy Challenge Clean energy technology ​Hong Kong Terms 2 and 3 ​Years 9 to 10 ​Fully booked
Banyule Nillumbik Tech School Future Themed Inquiries United Nations Sustainable Development Goals ​Indonesia Terms 2, 3 and 4 ​Year 8 Fully booked
Wyndham Tech School International Collaborative Game Development Challenge Game development and E-sport ​Vietnam Terms 2 and 3 Year 10 Fully booked

Key contacts

For more information, please contact Tech Schools directly at:

2023 program highlights

The Global Design Challenge was delivered through the Knox Innovation Opportunity and Sustainability Centre and Geelong Tech School in Term 3 and Term 4, 2023. The program was based on their highly successful local program Design for Humanity and involved 96 Victorian students and 100 international students.

The 6-week challenge provided an opportunity for local secondary students in Geelong to collaborate with Hong Kong International School in Term 3 and The Grammar School Nicosia in Cyprus in Term 4 to create customised solutions to real world problems and community needs in difficult environments.

Victorian students and international peers collaborated as a team to analyse case studies provided by industry partner Field Ready, around issues such as water scarcity, sanitation and hygiene, shelter, nutrition and health. Together students used Computer Aided Design (CAD) software, Fusion 360 and 3D printers to protype their cost-effective solutions to meet community needs.

Testimonials

After participating in the Global Design Challenge, I feel it was entirely worth it and I learnt lots about the design process and about CAD. A big part of the challenge was working around different timezones with team members around the world and I feel we really accomplished that and I'm proud that we were able to get to know and work with each other just over the course of 6 weeks. We also practiced addressing real issues that occur in each of our countries and it was really interesting to see the difference in problems we face on a daily basis. Now that the challenge is over, I am excited to apply my new skills whenever I work with CAD or new team members.

- Student, Ryan Lai, Hong Kong International School

Thank you for providing the opportunity to the Geelong based Squadrons of the Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) to participate in The Global Design Challenge. This type of facilitated, teamwork-based activity, aligns perfectly with current AAFC training ethos of providing experiential activities. When the Geelong Technical School (GTS) extended to us the opportunity to work with students from Grammar School Nicosia, Cyprus, we saw the opportunity to further develop cadet skills in a challenging environment. Working with international students. The STEM training environment at GTS is well suited to the activity and I recommend the facilitators Lachlan Patrick and Natasha Shukuroglou highly.

- Teacher, D.R. Burns, CADETS, Victoria

The Global Design Challenge was a transformative experience for the students because it was more than just a STEM education initiative. It was a platform for students to apply their knowledge to real-world humanitarian issues, fostering empathy and social responsibility. The unique blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning allowed students from different backgrounds and cultures to collaborate effectively. This not only enhanced their STEM skills but also prepared them for the diverse and inclusive workforce of the future. In essence, this program was a comprehensive learning journey that equipped students with essential skills for the future. It was a testament to the power of technology in education and the limitless potential of our students. A hearty congratulations to all participants!

- Teacher, Daniel Budd, Hong Kong International School, Hong Kong

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