Having previously won the NSW Premier's Award in 2021 and the Mumbrella Publish Award in 2022, the Department’s Game Changer Challenge has added the 2024 Australian Good Design Gold Award in the Social Impact category to its stellar list of honours.

Open to public schools across the state, the Game Changer Challenge centres on discovering solutions to real-world, wicked problems by applying classroom learning.

A wicked problem is a social or cultural problem that’s difficult or impossible to solve, normally because of its complex and interconnected nature.

NSW Department of Education Secretary, Murat Dizdar, said the Game Changer Challenge 2023 was recognised for exceptional design and innovation,

“A massive team effort went into making the Game Changer Challenge 2023 the success it was, and it’s great to see this recognition for everyone’s hard work at the very highest level,” Mr Dizdar said.

“Game Changer is a unique event that changes as the needs of our students and schools change, and I think that is a real strength.”

Entries at this year’s Australian Good Design Awards were scrutinised by more than 80 international jurors, including designers, engineers, architects, and industry leaders.

The jury commended the department for the ongoing evolution and impact of the Game Changer Challenge.

“This program, which integrates design thinking to solve real-world problems, effectively fosters critical skills such as collaboration, empathy, and creativity in students and teachers across NSW public schools,” the jury said.

“The program’s expansion to include rural and remote communities while maintaining high-quality educational experiences is particularly impressive.

“The GCC is a testament to the power of innovative, inclusive educational design in preparing students for future challenges and opportunities.”

Entries were assessed against three core criteria: Good Design, Design Innovation, and Design Impact, ensuring that each winner demonstrated outstanding design quality and effectiveness.

Almost 400 schools participated in the Game Changer Challenge 2023, which was won by Innvisioneerz from The Ponds High School with their app that encourages young people to think about ergonomics.

The primary school champion was the Oyster Bay Public School team, The Crazy Collaborators, who came up with an app to alert pet owners when their animal has gone into a national park.

The Game Changer Challenge 2024 finals will be held at Parramatta over three days from the 5th to 7th November.