Introducing Innovate Forge Academy

For many years, parents have known us as a centre for excellence in technology and robotics education. Today, we are thrilled to announce our next chapter as Innovate Forge Academy, marking an exciting expansion of our vision for student development.

This evolution builds directly on our heritage as ITRA (Innovate Tech & Robotics Academy). Founded by educator Gary Gopinathan, who brings over 25 years of experience in education and technology and was instrumental in scaling the VEX Robotics Competition across Australia, our academy has always been committed to high-quality learning experiences.

Now, alongside co-founder Sue John, we are broadening our focus. While technology remains a core part of what we do, we believe true future readiness requires a more holistic approach.

More Than Code: A New Vision for Learning

The future will be shaped not just by what technology can do, but by what humans can do with technology. This understanding is at the heart of our expanded direction, guided by our core positioning: Human capabilities first. Technology with purpose.

We recognise that lasting success depends on a blend of skills. Alongside technical literacy, students need to be confident communicators, creative thinkers, and compassionate leaders. Our new curriculum is designed to nurture these interconnected abilities.

Our goal is to move beyond simply teaching students how to use tools, and towards helping them discover their purpose and lead with intent.

Building on a Strong Foundation

Our deep expertise in technology and robotics education remains a cornerstone of the academy. Our students’ recent success, earning 14 competition awards in 2024 alone, is a testament to the strength of this foundation. We are now building upon it to create even more comprehensive learning pathways.

Innovate Forge Academy now offers programs across several key areas, all designed to work together to build well-rounded, capable young people:

• Technology & AI
• Communication & Leadership
• Creative Writing & Storytelling
• Innovation & Entrepreneurship
• VCE Coaching & Mentoring

From coding and AI literacy to public speaking and entrepreneurial thinking, these programs equip students with a versatile toolkit. Whether a student is preparing for VCE exams or just beginning their learning journey, our pathways offer opportunities for growth. Our coaching and mentoring programs, for example, provide targeted support that extends beyond any single subject.

Our Approach: Discover. Create. Lead.

This tagline is the framework for everything we do. We encourage students to Discover their interests through curiosity and exploration. We empower them to Create tangible outcomes, whether it’s a robot, a story, or a business plan. Finally, we inspire them to Lead by collaborating, communicating their ideas, and taking initiative.

This process is underpinned by our unique Forge Care framework, which focuses on coaching, mentoring, and creating a supportive environment for every child. We believe that caring for a student’s wellbeing and confidence is essential for effective learning.

Join Us on the Journey

We are excited to share this new direction with our community. Our programs are available at our learning centres in Chadstone, Glen Waverley, and Narre Warren, as well as at Mount View Primary School and through our live online classes.

This is more than just a name change; it's a renewed commitment to preparing your child for a complex and exciting future. We invite you to learn more about our philosophy and find the right pathway for your child.

The best way to start is by booking a complimentary 15-minute Parent Discovery Session with our team. We look forward to welcoming you to Innovate Forge Academy.