Big Ideas Programme

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.