Welcoming Brave Thinkers Across the World: From Michigan to Australia
Welcoming Brave Thinkers Across the World
When we created The Big Thinking Box, we had a clear hope. That it would not just be something schools could actually use to support meaningful learning.
Seeing an actual school like Shoal Bay Public School receive the Big Thinking Box is exactly what we hoped for when we created it.
A Moment Worth Celebrating
Recently, the Big Thinking Box was awarded to Lyla, the winner of the Hunter Young Business Minds Awards in Australia. Her project stood out for its creativity, confidence, and thoughtful problem-solving, qualities at the heart of Big Thinking.
The box was presented by Andy Olrich, our APAC regional partner and the founder of North St Partners. Andy works closely with schools, educators, and organizations across the Asia-Pacific region to support innovation, leadership, and meaningful learning experiences.
As part of this recognition, the Big Thinking Box was presented to Shoal Bay Public School, where it will be used as a classroom experience later this school year.
Why the Presentation Itself Matters
For educators, choosing new resources is never casual. A box does not land in a school unless it aligns with values, learning goals, and classroom realities.
The presentation of the Big Thinking Box at Shoal Bay Public School represents trust.
Trust that the philosophy supports real learning.
Trust that the activities will translate to real students.
Trust that it is worth setting aside classroom time.
The experience is scheduled to be run early 2026, and we are excited to see how students engage with it in practice.
The Philosophy Behind the Box
The Big Thinking Box is built on a simple belief. Students learn best when they are encouraged to think bravely, work together, and reflect on their ideas.
Rather than focusing on right answers, the experience invites students to explore ideas collaboratively, practice leadership and communication, learn from trial and reflection, and build confidence in how they think, not just what they know.
It is designed to complement classroom learning and give educators flexibility in how they guide the experience.
What This Means for Schools and Parents
For schools, Shoal Bay Public School’s involvement signals that the Big Thinking Box is being taken seriously as an educational tool.
For parents, it offers reassurance. This is not busywork. This is not a gimmick. It is a thoughtful, student-centered experience designed with real classrooms in mind.
And for us, it is a reminder that meaningful learning has no borders.
Looking Ahead
From Michigan to Australia, Big Thinking has landed in schools that value curiosity, confidence, and courage.
We look forward to sharing more once the experience is run at Shoal Bay Public School later this year. For now, we are proud to see the journey begin.
Because big thinking does not start when the box is opened.
It starts when educators believe it belongs in their classroom.
