Every Wednesday, something extraordinary happens at Albany Senior High School (ASHS).
Instead of filing into traditional classrooms, ākonga (students) fan out across studios, workshops, kitchens and gardens, pursuing deeply personal, often world-changing goals through the school’s hallmark programme: Impact Projects.
Unique to ASHS, Impact Projects give ākonga an entire day each week to explore real-world challenges and passions, supported by mentors and external experts. From social entrepreneurship to environmental conservation, the Projects blend innovation, purpose and agency in a way that transforms learners into leaders.
“At the heart of Impact Projects is student ownership,” says Catherine Wooler, Specialist Subject Leader, PE, Health & Outdoor Education, and an Impact Project mentor. “Students have to figure out the tools, the timeline, and the goals – and that’s exactly how things work in the real world.”
The programme is guided by principles that extend beyond traditional learning: student agency, authentic community contribution, and deep, sustained learning. Projects are often collaborative and solution-focused, underpinned by design thinking and agile methodology. These aren’t hypothetical case studies – they’re action plans in motion.
Take for instance the “Paws for Purpose” hub, where four bubbly female ākonga are creating an interactive website to raise awareness for the endangered New Zealand dotterel. Their vision? A lasting platform that educates and empowers others long after their time at school. “We wanted to create something big, something that would last,” the group shared.
Just a table over, fellow ākonga noticed a gap in the market for pet rat toys – a niche, but growing need. They’re designing safe, stimulating toys, blending research, creativity, and entrepreneurial flair. “It’s like running a business,” they say – complete with marketing plans, prototyping, and community outreach.
In the “Unleash Your Art” hub, Projects range from feminist magazines to poetry collections and cultural sculptures. Each is a reflection of the student’s identity and values, creating powerful intersections between artistic expression and social commentary. As mentor Jasmine Watson puts it, “These Projects draw inquiry and imagination – and that’s where real learning lives.”
Another inspiring initiative involves ākonga working on a kina berley innovation – an idea that turns waste into opportunity. By repurposing kina by-product, their Project helps preserve Aotearoa’s vital kelp forests while supporting sustainable fishing practices. “We’re building real-world skills that will shape our pathways as future marine scientists,” they shared. “It’s also a chance for us to connect with professionals around the world who share our passion for protecting the ocean and its ecosystems.”
The scope for impact is also literal: In 2025, groups like “Let’s Go” are preparing for trips to Abel Tasman National Park and even Borneo, where students will engage in environmental and community-based initiatives. They’re planning, fundraising, and navigating logistics – developing life skills like time management, communication, and resilience along the way.
The programme culminates each semester in an Impact Showcase, where students present their projects to peers, whānau, and the wider community. These celebrations are more than exhibitions – they’re a testament to growth, grit, and genuine contribution.
ASHS alumni reflect on the lasting significance of their Impact Projects. Coco King, Class of 2020, says coaching Special Olympics athletes for one of her Projects gave her clarity about her future: “It played a huge role in developing my love for teaching…I saw how powerful those connections can be.” Fellow alum Zach Kirby echoes this sentiment: “Impact Projects taught me to take ownership, to be curious. That autonomy – that’s the real world.”
And that’s exactly what Impact Projects do best – they dissolve the boundaries between school and society, allowing rangatahi to test-drive their futures while leaving a meaningful mark on the world around them.
The result? Ākonga are not only academically prepared, but empowered – with purpose, with passion, and with a sense of possibility.
