What does it take to build a brand that people notice, trust and remember? For students in Brand Builders, one of The Knox School’s Year 9 CUBE electives, the answer lies in creativity, strategy and authentic industry experience.
Part of the innovative CUBE Knoxpeditions program, Brand Builders challenges students to explore the intersection of marketing, economics and visual communication design while working on real-world business and community projects. Students learn how to research markets, develop products, create visual identities and communicate with target audiences, all while considering the ethical and economic factors that influence business decisions.
Throughout the semester, students adopt an entrepreneurial mindset as they work individually and collaboratively to develop solutions for authentic business challenges. From designing logos and packaging to creating social media campaigns and promotional materials, students gain hands-on experience in bringing a brand to life.
One of the highlights of the program this year was the opportunity to learn directly from young entrepreneurs who are already making an impact beyond the classroom.
At the end of last term, students welcomed current TKS student Aurelia C and Class of 2025 alumnus Ahmed Tawfiq, who shared their entrepreneurial journeys and provided valuable insights into the realities of building and managing successful ventures.
Aurelia spoke about her e-commerce and social media business, SquishySweetie, as well as Project Grounded, a student-led social enterprise focused on raising awareness of youth homelessness. She reflected on the challenges and rewards of balancing entrepreneurship alongside school and work commitments, while highlighting the importance of purpose-driven business.
Ahmed shared his experiences supporting a range of businesses in his entrepreneurial role, including Wheel Work Customs and a local commercial fitness gym. He also spoke candidly about the transition from secondary school to university and the lessons he has learned while balancing business responsibilities with first-year tertiary studies.
Their presentations gave students authentic examples of entrepreneurship in action and valuable ideas to draw upon as they develop and pitch solutions for their own client-based projects. Just as importantly, the sessions celebrated the achievements of a current student and a recent alumnus, demonstrating the many pathways available to young people who are passionate about innovation, business and creative problem-solving.
Brand Builders reflects the broader vision of the CUBE Knoxpeditions program, which reimagines learning through real-world challenges, industry partnerships and student agency. Grounded in design thinking and community-connected learning, CUBE electives empower students to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways while developing essential future-focused capabilities including collaboration, communication, ethical decision-making and quality thinking.
By engaging with business professionals, entrepreneurs and community partners, students gain more than subject knowledge. They develop the confidence, creativity and practical skills needed to shape ideas into meaningful solutions, preparing them to make an impact in an increasingly complex and connected world.
