There is a real energy around Allegra this week. Around 80 of our Year 9 and 10 students are taking part in the Illuminate Community Challenge, an intensive five-day program delivered in partnership with Illuminate Education Australia, and what they are producing is genuinely impressive.
The challenge: design an event that celebrates Coffs Harbour
This year’s theme is Festivals. Coffs Harbour already has events that bring people together, from the Buskers and Comedy Festival to the Harmony Festival and the new Yarrila Arts and Museum. Events like these connect people, attract visitors and support the local economy.
Working in teams of six to eight, students have been asked to design a new event that celebrates something real and meaningful about Coffs Harbour or their local area. The brief sets some clear expectations:
- the event can be a festival, performance, exhibition, market day, trail or something entirely new
- it must cover its own costs over time, without relying on donations or grants
- it must be created and driven by the students themselves
- it must stand out, complement what Coffs Harbour already offers, and make a real difference
Ideas with a purpose
These are not just ideas on paper. Earlier this week, teams ran their concepts past a mentor from Coffs Harbour City Council, who gave practical, real-world advice on what it would take to put an event like theirs in place in Coffs. Students have been using that feedback to test and strengthen their plans.
These are not just ideas on paper. Earlier this week, teams ran their concepts past a mentor from Coffs Harbour City Council, who gave practical, real-world advice on what it would take to put an event like theirs in place in Coffs. Students have been using that feedback to test and strengthen their plans.
How the week works
The Illuminate Challenge follows a structured innovation process, with each day building on the last.
- Monday: teams set up how they will work together, then research and frame the problem they want to solve.
- Tuesday: students tell the story behind their idea, meet with community mentors for feedback, and build early prototypes in LEGO.
- Wednesday: teams name and refine their solution, deliver a 30-second elevator pitch, and build a marketing strategy.
- Thursday: teams complete a written submission, financial tables to show their event can pay its own way, and marketing materials.
- Friday: each team delivers a four-minute pitch to a panel of judges, responds to a surprise “pressure cooker” task, and sets up a display of their idea.
Along the way, students are building skills in problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, financial planning and public speaking. For many of our students, working with people they don’t usually work with and standing up to pitch an idea is a big step. Watching them take it has been one of the highlights of our year.
You’re invited: Demonstration Hall and Awards
The week finishes tomorrow, and we would love every family to be there.
- 1:00pm — Demonstration Hall: walk through each team’s display, talk with students about their ideas, and vote for your favourite
- 1:20pm — Awards Ceremony: celebrate the winners and the work of every team
- Where: Allegra School
- Extras: light refreshments provided
Please RSVP here so we can plan seating and catering – extra family members are very welcome.
If your child is a little reluctant tomorrow morning, remind them that the hardest part is already behind them. Their team is counting on them, and so are we.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you.