Inspired Education is a project-based learning program aligned with the national curriculum. The program integrates real life work experience with core competencies and classroom learning in the format of a live creative brief, which forms an assessable task. Creative industry professionals work alongside I-Manifest Program Manager and teachers to deliver the program over one school term to Year 9 or 10 students. 

The program is designed to not only educate students on the breadth of career opportunities within the creative industries but core life skills required for the future world of work. Students gain an understanding of the creative process, creative thinking, the relevance of school and further education to their future as well as business communication, idea generation, project planning and written and verbal presentation skills. 

The program provides a gateway to real employment opportunities and pathways - many of the students continue on to work experience and internships within creative organisations.

Directly, Inspired Education addresses the key issues contributing to the current youth unemployment crisis, particularly in marginalized communities.

•  Higher educational attainment via increased engagement in learning which leads to increased retention in high school and further education. By creating a connect between school, learning and career aspirations students are able to see the relevance of what and why they are studying. They see that pursuing creative subjects at school can lead to real, sustainable future. Having real life examples and experience increases student’s understanding of the curriculum, keeping them more engaged and improving results. Increased aspirations for students to pursue a further education.

•  Experience and work readiness: by introducing students to work environments and professionals they become familiar and confident in the workplace.

•  Location matters: we select our schools based on level of socio-economic disadvantage via the my-schools website. One of the schools that will be involved in this program, Strathfield South, has a 90% non-English speaking backgrounds, 75% fall into bottom 2 quarters of socio-economic status and a significant refugee population 25% - 30%.

•  The importance of networks: I-Manifest is directly introducing students to the professional networks of their future. They are building confidence in dealing with adults in a work place environment, learning industry language that will equip them in future interview situations. 

The program includes 4 touch points:

•  Introduction to the Creative Industries. Creative Industry professionals deliver a classroom lesson linking school learning to the world of work. Students are then split into groups and industry delivers the creative brief project.

•  Agency visit. A half day agency visit, students gain a conceptual understanding of the workplace, it’s organizational and operational structure, in relation to their project brief. Students are teamed with mentors who review work so far. Students have direct access and interact with a wealth of senior industry professionals.

•  Google + hangout. Via video conference student groups link in with their mentors to gain further advice and feedback on the progression of their project work. The video conference format is included to give students familiarity to an increasingly common communication platform required in the workplace. This is also important for our regional and remote roll out of the project.

•  Final presentation of work and award ceremony. Students present their work to the entire agency workplace at a special morning tea ceremony. Work is critiqued by senior management who give feedback on both the work and presentations. Students are awarded certificates and awards. Students are also awarded an I-Manifest portfolio for their work, a significant moment marking the beginning of their professional life. Parents, teachers and other stakeholders are also invited encouraging community- wide support, critical to the students ongoing success.

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