Last Wednesday鈥檚 Year 11 Awards Ceremony at St Mary’s Catholic College, Gateshead celebrated the creativity and global awareness of students involved in the Big Ideas Project – a cross-curricular initiative connecting learning, travel, and intercultural understanding.
The College was honoured to welcome Dr Amy McPherson, Senior Lecturer in the School of Education at the University of Newcastle, who presented Certificates of Recognition to all participants and shared powerful reflections on the importance of education that extends beyond the classroom.
鈥淭he group鈥檚 Big Ideas Project demonstrates the power of critical thinking,鈥� said Dr McPherson.
鈥淭hese are the kinds of skills that build empathy, global citizenship, and social change.鈥�
The Big Ideas Project聽encourages students to explore meaningful connections between Australia and Japan through concept-based inquiry. Each participant developed a personal 鈥淏ig Idea鈥� inspired by their recent cultural exchange, examining themes such as sustainability, identity, and wellbeing through a global lens.
Two students received Highly Commended聽recognition for the depth and originality of their work:
- Ariella Doyle (Year 11)聽鈥撀�Waste Management in Australia vs Japan, a comparative study on how cultural values influence sustainable practices.
- Victoria Chong (Year 10)聽鈥撀�The Culture of Time, exploring how differing perceptions of time shape wellbeing and productivity across cultures.
Dr McPherson鈥檚 address complemented Principal Brett Donohoe鈥檚 reflections on the future of the Hunter Region – one defined by innovation, education and global connection through projects such as the new airport precinct and the expansion of John Hunter Hospital.
The event was a proud celebration of learning, showcasing how St Mary鈥檚 continues to nurture young people who think critically, act with empathy, and engage confidently with the world.
