What is the Game Changer Challenge?

Submissions for the department’s award-winning design thinking competition the Game Changer Challenge are now open for 2022!

Open to all 2,200+ public schools across the state the challenge centres on discovering solutions for a real-world, wicked problem by applying classroom learning.

Now in its fifth year, the Game Changer Challenge will be returning to you bigger and better than ever! With live events and a rich set of resources, all teams will work through both the create and advocate processes to produce a robust solution to one of our society’s most pressing issues.

Enter your school now to get access to the playbook resources and the Game Changer Challenge Teacher hub on Google Classroom.

What is design thinking?

Design thinking is a human-centred approach to solving complex problems. Empathy and collaboration are at the heart of design thinking.

The five-step process starts by encouraging problem solvers to walk in the shoes of those experiencing the 'problem' to gain a deeper insight into the challenges and issues they face (empathy).

This knowledge is then used to develop a clear problem statement (define), work on solutions (ideate), turn these solutions into tangible products (prototype) and then see whether the solution will work (test).

Design thinking is not a linear process. With each stage you make new discoveries that require you to rethink and redefine what you have already done.

Design thinking brings our head, heart and hands together to find innovative solutions to complex problems.

This process can be used over and over again, for small or complex problems.

Video - Game Changer Challenge 2022 promo

Duration: 0:30

NSW Premier's Awards winner

The Game Changer Challenge has been announced as a winner in the 2021 NSW Premier's Awards.

The program won in the Highest Quality Education category: nurturing and educating our children and young people through their schooling life and providing access to quality lifelong learning ensures that we have the skills for jobs of the future. Focusing on improving educational outcomes will help to make the people of NSW ready for the future.

The NSW Premier’s Awards celebrates excellence in the delivery of public services to the NSW community by the public sector, not-for-profit organisations and private businesses.

Find out more and see the full list of winners on the Premier's Awards website.