Partnership Case Study
Melrose High School: Study 1
Melrose High School introduced the Adventures in Programming project to give students a way to build real-world problem-solving skills through creative, meaningful digital work. Teachers wanted a structure that supported independence without sacrificing clarity — something that would help students think differently, take ownership, and produce work that felt purposeful. This project became a catalyst for deeper engagement and a more confident, curious cohort of learners.
Our PARTNER
Melrose High School
SETTING
Urban School
Pearce, Canberra
ENGAGEMENT
Multi-year partnership
FOCUS AREAS
Whole-staff implementation of the Culture of Excellence Program
From Passive Technology Use to Confident, Creative Problem Solvers
Case Summary
Through a hands-on design approach, students created original programs addressing real challenges and interests. The framework helped them move beyond task-completion to genuine problem-solving, strengthening agency, teamwork, and critical thinking. Teachers saw a marked shift: students were asking better questions, taking initiative, and producing thoughtful, innovative digital solutions.
The learning design helped students take greater ownership of their work.
98%
The project structure provided clarity and practical frameworks for teachers.
96%
Students demonstrated deeper creative and critical thinking throughout the project.
98%
The work strengthened relationships and collaboration across the school.
97%
Overall, this was a positive and valuable learning experience for our school community.
100%
(Percentages reflect staff who agreed or strongly agreed.)
In Their Words
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“The shift toward student ownership has been incredible — learners were far more invested because the work felt meaningful and genuinely theirs.”
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“These projects pushed my students to think, question, and create with a level of courage and clarity I hadn’t seen before.”
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“The framework helped me guide rather than direct. I felt myself becoming a better facilitator, not just a better teacher.”
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“Students’ creativity surprised me every single day. They produced work far beyond what I would have expected at the start.”
John Doe
Combo Interactive -
“This experience helped reconnect our team with why we teach — seeing students step up with agency was energising for all of us.”
John Doe
Combo Interactive
“This work helped our teachers step back so students could step forward. The level of engagement, ownership, and creative confidence our learners demonstrated has been extraordinary — and it has strengthened our whole school culture.”
Simon Vaughan, Principal, Melrose High School