Illuminate the Day
On Friday, 4 November Year 4 and Year 6 Shine students from both Mt Ridley and Donnybrook, came together to participate in the Illuminate the Day incursion by Illuminate Education Australia. The Donnybrook students took the bus to our Mt Ridley campus for the incursion.
The focus was to come up with a business idea that helped drive change in a social issue that the students cared about.
We had an incredible array of social justice issues within our community ranging from pollution, lack of hospitals, teen crime, homelessness and low-income families not being able to support their children.
This incursion allowed our Shine students to experience opportunities that may be afforded to them as they move into Secondary school. Hume Anglican Grammar has an unrivalled winning record for the Illuminate Next Gen challenge, competing against other schools for the inaugural title.
Here are some reflections from our students:
The day helped me think outside the box and help me become aware of what is happening in my community. - Kushlanee Year 6 (MR)
I really loved working with people older than me who had very bright ideas. We all really liked working in a team. The Illuminate program really helped with how I think. It was a great chance to communicate and work as a team - Ekjot Year 4 (DB)
It was very interesting learning about all the different problems in the community of Hume and learning how to persevere if we were stressed about the time limits during the day. - Asees Year 4 (MR)
My experience of the Illuminate program was inspiring. We learnt that making a business has its ups and downs and that it takes a large period of time to build an idea of one. Another thing I learnt is that you can’t just make a business of your choice; it has to be of the public’s interest. For example, solutions for problems in the community. I like the fact that they mixed socialising and problem solving into one thing. It’s very intriguing and what makes the program unique. Overall, the Illuminate excursion was a great experience for me and my friends. - Maya Year 6 (DB)
I was challenged by having to think of solutions that would be able to work efficiently and effectively for my group problem. Our topic was, Grocery Store Items Should be Cheaper and we had to think of appropriate solutions that would encourage the consumption of healthy food. - Balpreet Year 6 (MR)
What I got out of the Illuminate program was that I learnt to get out of my comfort zone and speak confidently, plus meet new people. I learnt to discuss my ideas with new people. I was able to be creative and solve problems whilst cooperating with my team. Originally, I was shy but through this program I’ve learnt to communicate better and express my emotions. - Ishaan Year 6 (DB)
