The Academy of Ideas is the first of its kind and is grounded in research that demonstrates that teaching critical and creative thinking has a significant impact on student cognitive development and results. Incorporporated within the is a program of extra-curricular opportunities.
In conjunction with the University of Queensland, selected students will engage in a program that allows them to work with leading academics in the fields of Philosophy, Archaeology, Problem Solving and Sustainability as well Creative Writing.
The aims of the program include;
- To develop a collaborative, cooperative thinking culture within our school and local area that embraces innovation and creativity.
- To enhance our current provision for all of our students by providing them with unique opportunities to engage in a variety of intellectually challenging academic subjects.
- To provide our students with an additional systematic learning pathway that compliments their education.
- To respond to the changing needs of our school community and to intellectually challenge our students.
- Providing the opportunity for students to complete University subjects offered through the University of Queensland. This would contribute to their QCE.
Incorporated within the Academy of Ideas is a program of extra-curricular opportunties. This program is a collaboration between the Design and Technology, Humanities, Mathematics and Science departments for students in Years 7 and 8. This program is designed to extend and challenge our more inquisitive and high performing learners. It is open to all students in Year 7 and 8 who can engage with the extra rigour and demands of the various activities. This program provides the opportunity to offer hands-on, fun and authentic activities that, for practical reasons, are difficult to offer in the day-to-day program. The purpose of the program is to explicitly teach the 21st century skills with the expectation of enhanced general capabilities such as:
- Improved ability to think critically
- Enhanced creative thinking skills
- Better communication skills
- Effective and proficient collaboration strategies
- Enriched personal and social development
- Increased proficiency in the use of ICTs
Eligibility Criteria in order of consideration
- Comparative academic merit with all other out of catchment enrolment applicants (applicable to out-of-catchment students only).
- High standards of academic achievement as demonstrated on the most recent primary school report card and the Year 5 NAPLAN test.
- Creativity of student responses on the Academy of Ideas Application form and the attributes demonstrated at the group workshop.