Virtual Academy Achievements

Time 2 Discover – A Virtual Academy Showcase

On Tuesday, students in the Virtual Academy Time and Discovery program enjoyed a rewarding day of collaboration, sharing their learning, and improving their presentation and problem-solving abilities with peers. They presented their inquiries within the immersive 360-degree ‘Sim Cave’ at the University of Newcastle, practising communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills alongside peers of varied experience levels. We are very proud of our students who demonstrated higher level thinking, along with creative and reflective thinking.

Time 2 Discover – A Journey of Inquiry and Innovation

Featuring: Millie and Ylva

This semester, Millie and Ylva participated in the Discovery unit through the Virtual Academy, exploring big questions and undertaking deep, self-directed inquiries. Their learning journey culminated at the Time 2 Discover event, held at the University of Newcastle’s Callaghan Campus in the cutting-edge 360-degree ‘Sim Cave’.

In this immersive environment, Millie and Ylva presented their inquiries to an audience of like-minded peers, educators, and families. This event celebrated not only their problem-solving and critical thinking but also the courage it takes to share learning publicly. Both students demonstrated exceptional communication skills, curiosity, and perseverance, engaging others with their ideas and discoveries.

Time 2 Discover provided a unique platform for students to extend their thinking, collaborate, and showcase the power of student voice in action. We are so proud of Millie and Ylva’s achievements and the passion they brought to their projects.

Elevate – Showcasing Young Entrepreneurs of the Future

Featuring: Marcus, Chloe, Evan

This semester, Marcus, Chloe, and Evan participated in Enterprise, one of the Virtual Academy’s most dynamic programs, which develops future-focused entrepreneurial skills. Over the semester, these students designed innovative business proposals that demonstrated critical thinking, creativity, and an understanding of financial planning, social responsibility, and digital literacy.

Their hard work was showcased at Elevate, a virtual event where students presented their business ideas to an audience of peers, educators, and families. Each student thoughtfully articulated their business concepts, explaining how they identified problems, developed solutions, and designed sustainable models.

The event celebrated not only the culmination of their learning but also the resilience and adaptability needed to be future-ready problem-solvers. Marcus, Chloe, and Evan should be incredibly proud of the leadership and innovation they demonstrated throughout their projects.

Finding Her Voice – Ylva’s Creative Music Project

As part of her Discovery journey in the Virtual Academy, Ylva explored the big question: In a world filled with stories and songs, how can young creators find their own voice and come up with something truly new?

Ylva embraced this challenge by combining her passion for music with her natural creativity. Collaborating with her dad, who is the head of the band Outer Control, Ylva composed an original piece of music that expressed her individuality and creative voice.

Her project beautifully demonstrated the values of creativity and collaboration, highlighting how ideas can come to life when we combine our talents with those around us. Ylva’s final presentation was a celebration of originality, determination, and the power of music to communicate ideas in new and exciting ways.

Dancing for Everyone – Millie’s Inquiry into Accessibility in Dance

Millie’s Discovery project tackled a real and important question: How do the high costs of travel, costumes, and competition fees affect participation in BJP Physie and the wider dance community—and what can be done to make dance more affordable and inclusive?

Driven by her own experiences and a strong sense of fairness, Millie explored how financial pressures can sometimes force dancers to step away from the sport they love. Her inquiry aimed to highlight the challenges many families face and start conversations about how the dance world could become more accessible for everyone.

Millie’s vision for the future is inspiring: a dance community where everyone can enjoy their passion without worrying about costs, where judging is fair, and every dancer has an equal chance to shine. Her thoughtful presentation showed empathy, critical thinking, and a genuine desire to create positive change.

A Voice for Animals – Chloe’s Enterprise for Change

Chloe’s Enterprise project was driven by a powerful vision: to make the world a place that animals can enjoy. Her business proposal, ARSVC – Animal Rescue and Vet Care, is designed to help animals thrive while also supporting the community.

ARSVC isn’t just a vet service for pets — it’s a compassionate organisation that rescues animals from captivity, rehabilitates injured wildlife, and provides high-quality care for pets in the community. Alongside this, Chloe’s business aims to create a more eco-friendly world, focusing on sustainability and animal welfare.

Her thoughtful plan balances caring for household pets with helping wild and captive animals return to their natural homes. Chloe’s business model demonstrates how entrepreneurship can be used as a force for good, building a healthier planet for future generations and ensuring that every animal has a chance to thrive.

Bridging Generations – Evan’s TechnoGlaze Innovation

Evan’s Enterprise project, TechnoGlaze, is all about empowering the older generation by making technology accessible, easy to use, and inclusive. His business offers expert support to help individuals, schools, and businesses set up new devices, along with an online and physical store selling high-quality electronics—including products developed by TechnoGlaze itself.

Beyond just technology, Evan’s vision focuses on compassion and social responsibility. A percentage of TechnoGlaze’s profits are donated to charities that support people in need and promote environmental sustainability.

By combining cutting-edge tech solutions with a heart for community, Evan’s project shows how business can create positive change and help bridge the digital divide—making the world a better, more connected place for everyone.

Safe Play and Big Adventures – Marcus’s Spike Studios

Marcus’s Enterprise project, Spike Studios, is a creative and safe gaming platform designed especially for children aged nine and up, as well as their families. Spike Studios offers exciting digital adventures where players can explore hidden areas, complete challenges, and unleash their imagination through endless storylines—whether online or offline, solo or with friends.

What makes Spike Studios stand out is its focus on safety and positivity. With a chat-free environment, it ensures that young gamers can play, learn, and grow without exposure to harmful interactions. The platform encourages creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, and perseverance, helping build confident and thoughtful players.

Marcus’s vision is to create a fun and inspiring digital world where children can connect, learn, and make lasting memories—all while enjoying safe, screen-time adventures.

Bek Henshaw 
Gifted Education Mentor (GEM)