Big Ideas Programme

On a full day off-timetable, students are split into teams and learn about sustainability issues and how STEM skills and careers can help solve them. They are set the task of coming up with their ‘Big Idea’ to solve a sustainability issue that matters to them, and present their idea to everyone at the end of the day.

The students are introduced to their mentors from the organisation's business partners who will work with them over the next few months to develop their plans.

The Big Ideas Programme aligns with Essential Skills development throughout. It challenges young people to develop their skills by completing challenges and activities as a team. The organisation decided that the activities the students complete on the day align perfectly with 4 of the Essential Skills. These include: Listening, Problem Solving, Creativity and Teamwork. They give opportunities for the students to consider how their skills are being used, identify exactly when they have used, and reflect upon their skills.

The worksheets, teacher guidance document, mentor training and PowerPoint presentations used in the programme all reflect the use of the Essential Skills and the Skills Builder Partnership in line with the day and its activities. The Big Ideas Programme offers several opportunities for students to reflect on their skill development throughout.

The Essential Skills icons are included on all resources such as the presentation slides, workbook, reflection activities, session resources and are consistently referred to throughout.

The Big Ideas Day uses consistent language of carefully selected skill steps in 'top tips' and reflection activities to ensure that students are aware of what skills to use, what they are developing and are also able to reflect on this.

Several opportunities are presented to reflect on the skill steps that are developed, including a feedback form at the start and end of the initial Big Ideas Day, a skills reflection tool throughout the next phase and a debrief at the students exit from the programme.

Solutions for the Planet also engages young people and businesses to shape a more sustainable future through the Youth Insights programme.