A FREE interactive and Australian curriculum aligned program that encourages primary school students to engage in design thinking, problem solving and learn from high performance athletes.
The AIS is proud to partner with HART Sport, opens in a new tab to launch an engaging design and problem-solving program for Australian primary school students, the AIS Problem Solvers Program.
This is an exciting opportunity for primary school students to undertake a project which encourages outside-the-box thinking and offers the chance to engage with an Australian athlete.
The program aims to teach students about what it takes to create an inclusive, supportive and sustainable sport and community sports environment through unpacking a challenge within Australian sport.
The free seven stage program aligns with the Australian school curriculum while weaving in lessons in science, humanities, arts and economics.
The program is available to all Australian primary schools and can be tailored for Grades 4-6, with the inclusive of split 3/4’s. While the program is designed to be student-led, teachers will also have access to free resources including a comprehensive teaching guide.
Schools can apply to have an AIS athlete ambassador deliver two virtual or in-person sessions as part of the program.
The 2032 Games will showcase the world’s best athletes, but many sports still have barriers that prevent people from participating.
Your challenge is to choose a high performance sport and redesign it to be more inclusive, accessible, and engaging for YOUR community. Consider how the rules, equipment, and local facilities could be adapted so that everyone, regardless of age, ability, or background, can join in!
Be creative and innovative—your ideas could help make sport more welcoming and enjoyable for all!
An AIS athlete ambassador will deliver a 45-minute presentation explaining the challenge to students and sharing lessons from their own sporting journey
Let’s get those creative juices flowing! Students will revisit the challenge and brainstorm solutions.
We now move into the designing phase of the project! Students will muster their creativity and begin to design possible solutions.
Time to choose your final design and justify your choice! Students will learn how to justify their decisions using persuasive writing.
Let’s get creating! Students will put their plans into action and start creating their designs either digitally or with physical materials.
Students will practise presenting their work to their classmates, with the opportunity to provide feedback before the student showcase in the next stage.
Students will have the chance to showcase their work with others and the opportunity to engage with an athlete ambassador.
High-performance athletes who are passionate about helping to educate young Australians will help deliver the program.
Each athlete will connect with a school twice throughout the program either in-person or online and work with students to unpack a challenge within Australian sport.
This is a great chance for athletes to connect with their local communities, strengthen their professional development skills and give back to the next generation.
Name | Sport | Organisation |
---|---|---|
Caitlin Bettenay | Volleyball | QAS |
Edwina Bone | Hockey | ACTAS |
Olivia O'Rourke | Diving | NSWIS |
Penny Squibb | Hockey | WAIS |
Sarah Hawe | Rowing | TIS |
Shae Graham | Wheelchair Rugby | VIS |
Yale Steinepreis | Paddle | WAIS |
Katerina Paul | Snow Sports | VIS |
Ria Thompson | Rowing | QAS |
Carly Salmon | Football | NSWIS |
Rhydian Cowley | Athletics | VIS |
Emily Meaney | Diving | QAS |
Tamieka Whitefield | Softball | QAS |
Zana Evans | Snow Sports | ACTAS |
Victoria Pendergast | Snow Sports | NSWIS |
Lucy Coleman | Rowing | NSWIS |
Harrison Biddell | Swimming | SASI |
Name | Sport | Organisation |
---|---|---|
Amy Sligar | Netball | NSWIS |
Caitlin Bettenay | Volleyball | QAS |
Cameron Gridlestone | Rowing | NSWIS |
Edwina Bone | Hockey | ACTAS |
Jake Bensted | Judo | VIS |
Liam Twomey | Para-Triathlon | VIS |
Olivia O'Rourke | Diving | NSWIS |
Penny Squibb | Hockey | WAIS |
Sarah Hawe | Rowing | TIS |
Shae Graham | Wheelchair Rugby | VIS |
Stacey Hymer | Taekwondo | VIS |
Yale Steinepreis | Paddle | WAIS |
For further information about this program or opportunities to be involved please contact: communityengagement@ausport.gov.au