Applecross Senior High pilot program a lesson in innovation

Launched this year, Innovation Institute is the brainchild of teacher and Booragoon resident Paul Litwin.

Mr Litwin was a careers counsellor at Perth College until the end of 2016 when he decided to leave in favour of rectifying what he views as a major omission in the current high school curriculum.

“Last year I did some work on a program called $20 Boss, which was developed by the Foundation of Young Australians and introduces students to running their own business,” he said.

“During the program it really dawned on me that a lot of students were lacking in those sorts of skills – not just innovation but the ability to think outside of the box.”

Mr Litwin said the current WA economy was crying out for new ideas and diversification and that through the Innovation Institute he hoped to help students take advantage of the opportunities on offer.

Four schools, including Applecross Senior High School, have signed up to the program for years 7 to 10 students that will run during terms two and three this year.

Innovation Institute is looking for industry and business partners to be program mentors.

For more information or to apply, email Mr Litwin at plitwin@bigpond.com.