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AIS Problem Solvers Program

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.

Registrations now open

Register your interest for the 2025 program

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About the program

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.

Problem Solvers - Eddie
Problem Solvers Athlete - Olivia
School Information

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.

Students will be given the below challenge to solve:

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!

Below is an outline of what will be covered in each lesson:

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.

Athlete Information

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.

Past year ambassadors

2024 Ambassadors

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

2023 Ambassadors

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

Further Information

For further information about this program or opportunities to be involved please contact:  communityengagement@ausport.gov.au

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