Mandurah Baptist College | Western Australia

Mandurah Baptist College has been a cornerstone partner of illuminate Education Australia since 2017, when their students first participated in the inaugural Murdoch University-hosted illuminate Enterprise Challenge. The following year, the school took the bold step of hosting the program on campus for their Year 8 students—marking the beginning of a transformative journey in education, innovation, and community engagement.

Initially, the challenge was introduced to build foundational project skills ahead of the school’s inquiry-based learning focus in Years 9 and 10. With a strong emphasis on curriculum alignment and internal assessment, the program quickly became a collaborative effort across departments. English teachers assessed student pitches alongside illuminate judges, while the Maths department reviewed financial tables and business analysis. This integration ensured that the challenge wasn’t just an extracurricular activity—it was embedded into the school’s academic framework.

But what started as a curriculum-aligned initiative has grown into something much more powerful.

Today, the illuminate Enterprise Challenge is a signature experience at Mandurah Baptist College. It inducts students into a creative, hands-on style of learning that builds confidence, collaboration, and critical thinking. Teachers are regularly upskilled in this authentic learning approach, deepening their understanding of students’ soft skills and unlocking new ways to support their growth.

The school’s investment in a dedicated STEAM space has further elevated the program. This state-of-the-art facility now serves as the home base for the challenge, enabling students to prototype ideas with access to tools, materials, and expert staff. The flexible learning environment supports the dynamic nature of the challenge, allowing students to explore, iterate, and innovate in real time.

One of the most inspiring aspects of Mandurah’s involvement is the way older students continue to engage. Year 9 and 10 students frequently return during challenge weeks to mentor younger teams, stretch their thinking, and enhance the overall learning experience. This peer-led support fosters a culture of collaboration and leadership that extends beyond the classroom.

Mandurah Baptist College has also been a regular participant in illuminate’s regional and national programs, consistently showcasing the creativity and capability of their students. In 2024, the school was proudly announced as the winner of the national final—an achievement that reflects years of dedication, innovation, and community spirit.

While illuminate Education Australia calls Tasmania home, Mandurah has become a second home for the team. The school has embraced the cultural transformation that the challenge inspires, and its ripple effect is evident across the region. Students, teachers, and community members alike are part of a growing movement that values real-world learning, entrepreneurial thinking, and youth-led impact.

This case study exemplifies how the illuminate Enterprise Challenge can evolve from a single event into a sustained educational transformation. It’s not just about teaching business skills—it’s about embedding creativity, resilience, and leadership into the fabric of a school community.