Authentic learning starts with authentic connections, and for Year 6 students, this year’s Knoxpedition journey began on Thursday 24 July with a visit to the Knox Youth Hive in Wantirna South.
As part of Stage 1 of their Knoxpedition learning journey – Discover, Connect and Understand – students met with Youth Hive client Alex Quang and gathered valuable information through observation, discussion and consultation. Through a guided tour of the facility, conversations with staff and hands-on activities, students developed a deeper understanding of the Youth Hive, the young people it supports and the important role community organisations play in promoting connection, wellbeing and positive opportunities for young people.
The experience is centred around this year’s Knoxpedition inquiry question:
How can we respond to our client’s needs using leadership, service and enterprise to benefit both the client and the wider community?
By engaging directly with a community organisation, students gained valuable first-hand insights into its needs, challenges and opportunities while developing a deeper understanding of the impact leadership and service can have on the lives of others.
“It was very heartwarming to hear from Alex that Youth Hive care deeply about everybody’s culture and lifestyle. They value every nationality and provide activities that cater to all interests and cultures,” said Emily J.
“I was really excited when Alex gave our group LEGO to design a wellbeing space that 10–12-year-olds would like. We worked collaboratively and used effective communication skills to achieve the task. This was a great example of what Alex expects from us as we design our own school holiday activities for him,” said Ray W.
Using the information and insights gathered during the consultation process, students will now work collaboratively on three authentic projects requested by the Youth Hive. Their focus will be on creating engaging and meaningful activities and resources for young people aged 10–12 years. As this age group closely aligns with their own experiences, interests and understanding, students are well positioned to design solutions that are both relevant and impactful.
“I am excited to develop activities for 10–12-year-olds that help people have fun and feel connected,” said George L.
“I am interested in making a short presentation that advertises Youth Hive because it is a great place for 10–12-year-olds to visit and embrace what they love,” said Harnaaz S.
These authentic projects will allow students to apply and further develop their skills in leadership, service, enterprise, quality thinking and collaboration as they design meaningful solutions that respond directly to the client’s needs.
“I was surprised that we had a budget. This means that Alex will be expecting a very good product from us and we will need to work hard,” said Justin H.
The excursion also reflects The Knox School’s commitment to developing a Leadership of Service mindset, helping students build empathy, strengthen their community awareness and recognise that leadership is demonstrated through action, collaboration and a genuine desire to make a positive difference.
As students continue their Knoxpedition journey, the insights gathered during this visit will inform future investigations, project design and enterprise opportunities, transforming their understanding into purposeful action. We look forward to seeing our Year 6 students use their purpose, passion and positive mindset to create thoughtful and practical solutions that make a meaningful difference to Youth Hive and the young people it supports.
