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Big Ideas Programme

Locations
Available across the UK
Scotland
Northern Ireland
Wales
England - North East
England - North West
England - Yorkshire & Humber
England - West Midlands
England - East Midlands
England - South West
England - South East
England - East
England - Greater London
Available internationally
Czech Republic
Honduras
India
Nicaragua
Guatemala
Uganda
South Africa
Rwanda
Portugal
Netherlands
Hungary
China
Ages
0 - 4
4 - 7
7 - 11
11 -16
16 - 18
18 - 21
21 -25
25 - 30
30 - 35
35+
Delivery
Online
In person
Online & in person
Access
Online
In person
Through a school or college
Through an organisation
Independently / Self-serve
ListeningSpeakingProblem SolvingCreativityStaying PositiveAiming HighLeadershipTeamwork
Impact Level 2Impact Level 1Impact Level 3Impact Level 4

Solutions for the Planet provide an enrichment day for students aged 11-14 in which they complete various activities to work towards the goal of producing their 'Big Idea'.

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, and PowerPoint 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.

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

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