Three Year 6 student teams from Matthew Flinders Anglican College have qualified for the National Grand Finals of the Future Anything Challenge in Brisbane on Monday, 9 November.
This follows a standout performance at the national Semi-Finals on Tuesday, 13 October where two of the Flinders teams made it to the final 48 teams shortlisted to pitch live online to an expert judging panel.
Selected from a competitive field of 700 entries involving 11,000 students nationwide, the young innovators impressed judges and peers with empathetic, practical solutions to real-world problems:
- Toad Terminator (Samson, Will, and Harlow): Won 1st place in the Semi-Finals and took home the People’s Choice Award for their innovative cane toad management system.
- Fly Ball (Sam, Milton, and Jack): Won the People’s Choice Award in the Semi-Finals for an automated rugby ball launcher that helps young athletes train independently.
- Glow Bows (Ava and Ashley): Earned direct entry into the Grand Finals with an adjustable clothing accessory designed to help growing girls achieve an ideal fit.
The students pitched live online from the College’s Infinity Centre, guided by Dr Ian Thomson, Specialist Primary Teacher – Impact.
Adding to the celebration, Flinders Year 6 teacher Miss Amy Cahill has been nominated for a 2026 Future Anything Educator Award.
Miss Cahill's exciting nomination follows on from Flinders' Year 6 teaching team being named ‘Educator Team of the Year’ at the Future Anything 2023 Educator Awards.
Students and Staff Embrace Flinders' Design Thinking "Impact" Curriculum
The achievements showcase the strength of Flinders' bespoke Impact program engaging students from Prep to Year 6 in human-centred design thinking.
Delivered seamlessly from Prep to Year 6, the Impact curriculum teaches students to address real-world social, cultural and environmental issues using a five-step design framework: Empathise Define Ideate Prototype Test.
In Year 6, the semester-long program culminates in the Future Anything Challenge, where every student collaborates to prototype and pitch a viable social enterprise.
Flinders was an early primary adopter of the national challenge in 2023, and its students and staff have consistently reached the finals stage each year.
"Our ongoing recognition at these national awards reflects our staff's collective vision and dedication to growing an enterprising culture," said Head of Primary, Mr Jason Locke.
"Importantly, the curriculum centres on empathy. By setting aside personal biases to consider the needs of others, our students build the critical-thinking skillsets and character needed to thrive in Secondary School and ultimately contribute to a kinder, healthier and more inclusive society."
At the upcoming Grand Finals on Monday, 9 November, the three finalist teams will pitch live to an expert judging panel, showcase and sell their products at the Expo, and compete for the People’s Vote. The ceremony will also unveil the winners of the 2026 Future Anything Educator Awards, for which Year 6 teacher Miss Amy Cahill is nominated.
Year 6 Student Teams Set to Pitch at the Grand Finals of the Future Anything Challenge | Monday, 9 November
