Coaching-led learning
Guided questions, encouragement and feedback help students develop their own ideas.
Educators support independent thinking rather than simply providing ready-made solutions.
Innovation, Leadership & Entrepreneurship
Young Inventors
Imagine it. Build it. Make it better. Turn curiosity into prototypes through experimentation and iteration.
Curriculum overviewInnovation & Design · Build
Register Your Interest Program description
Imagine it. Build it. Make it better.
Young Inventors encourages students to explore their curiosity and develop practical ideas through experimentation, making and iterative design.
Students discover how inventions often begin with a simple question: What could be improved?
Through hands-on activities and creative challenges, students investigate everyday problems, explore how things work and develop original invention concepts.
They learn how to sketch ideas, select suitable materials, build simple prototypes, test their designs and make improvements.
The program introduces age-appropriate engineering and invention practices while encouraging imagination, resilience and thoughtful problem-solving.
Students are supported to understand that unsuccessful experiments can provide useful information. They learn to identify what worked, what did not work and what they might change next.
Educators guide students through the invention process using coaching, constructive feedback and opportunities for independent decision-making.
Young Inventors is suitable for students interested in making, engineering, creativity, technology and practical challenges. Projects can be adapted to available equipment, student experience and appropriate safety requirements.
What students will learn
Purposeful skills, built through practice.
Identify invention opportunities
Explore practical design requirements
Develop and communicate original ideas
Build and test prototypes
Respond constructively to unsuccessful experiments
Refine a design through iteration
Present and explain their invention
The Forge difference
Why Families Choose Forge Innovation & Entrepreneurship
From curiosity to contribution—students develop ideas through guided inquiry, practical projects, feedback and reflection.
Real-world problem-solving
Students investigate meaningful challenges and explore practical ways to address them.
Learning connects to everyday experiences, communities and potential user needs.
Creativity & experimentation
Students generate ideas, experiment with solutions and learn through iteration.
Unsuccessful experiments can become useful sources of feedback and learning.
Teamwork & leadership
Collaborative challenges create opportunities to practise communication, initiative and responsibility.
Students may contribute through different strengths, personalities and roles.
Age-appropriate development
Learning challenges are matched to students' age, interests and experience.
Younger learners may use guided activities while experienced learners tackle more complex projects.
Meaningful project outcomes
Students work towards tangible projects that demonstrate their ideas and learning.
Projects may include prototypes, invention models, leadership projects, venture concepts and pitches; commercial outcomes are not promised.
Innovation inquiry cycle
Find. Observe. Reimagine. Generate. Evaluate.
This course-specific inquiry cycle connects curiosity, human-centred observation, creative problem-solving, practical application and reflection. The academy-wide Explore · Build · Apply · Master progression remains authoritative.
01
Find
02
Observe
03
Reimagine
04
Generate
05
Evaluate
Curriculum
Core learning, clearly connected.
Each area is developed through guided explanation, practical work, testing and reflection.
Learning area 1
Identifying problems and invention opportunities.
Learning area 2
Exploring how objects, systems and materials work.
Learning area 3
Generating and sketching invention concepts.
Learning area 4
Building physical or digital prototypes.
Learning area 5
Testing, troubleshooting and improving designs.
Learning area 6
Documenting and communicating the invention process.
Eight-session curriculum
A clear journey from first practice to final reflection.
An introductory term sequence. Register your interest to hear when classes open.
- Session 1
Thinking Like an Inventor
Students explore inventions and identify everyday problems that could be improved.
- Session 2
Investigating the Challenge
Students examine an identified problem, explore existing solutions and establish appropriate design requirements.
- Session 3
Generating Invention Ideas
Students sketch alternative concepts and consider how each might work.
- Session 4
Planning the Prototype
Students select a concept and prepare a simple design and materials plan.
- Session 5
Building the First Prototype
Students construct an initial model using approved materials and tools.
- Session 6
Experimenting and Testing
Students investigate how their prototypes perform against the design requirements.
- Session 7
Improving the Invention
Students identify weaknesses and refine their prototypes.
- Session 8
Young Inventors Showcase
Students demonstrate their invention concept and explain the development process.
Student project
My First Invention
Students identify an everyday challenge and develop an original invention concept, such as a useful desk organiser, simple mechanical device, classroom improvement tool, accessible learning aid or model of an environmentally considerate product. They produce a concept, sketches, materials plan, prototype, test observations, improvement record and final demonstration using age-appropriate materials, tools and supervision. Commercial viability or patentability is not promised.
Core skills and outcomes
Learning students can explain and apply.
Identify invention opportunities
Explore practical design requirements
Develop and communicate original ideas
Build and test prototypes
Respond constructively to unsuccessful experiments
Refine a design through iteration
Present and explain their invention
Your Credential Pathway
Learning that leads somewhere beyond attendance.
This course contributes towards the relevant Academy credential pathway. Students who complete the required learning and demonstrate the assessment standard may become eligible for certification.
- 01
Learn
Complete the Academy program.
- 02
Practise
Develop capability through challenges and guided activities.
- 03
Demonstrate
Complete an applied project or performance.
- 04
Assess
Complete the relevant practical assessment and/or certification examination.
- 05
Credential
Earn the relevant Innovate Forge Academy credential when requirements are successfully demonstrated.
Applied credential pathway
Credential opportunity
Design Thinking Applied Credential
Assessment
Practical design challenge + presentation
Demonstrate
Discover, define, develop, prototype, test, improve and present a solution to a real problem.
Next step
Future Founder Credential → Forge Future Ready Capstone
Explore Certification Pathway- Pathway
- Innovation & Design
- Current program
- Young Inventors
- Assessment type
- Model C — Practical / Performance · Practical design challenge + presentation
- Exam requirement
- No written exam required
- Prerequisite
- None — readiness and pathway requirements apply
- Next credential
- Future Founder Credential → Forge Future Ready Capstone
Where can this learning lead?
- Course
- Design Challenges
- Prototype
- Test & Improve
- Design Thinking Applied Credential
- Future Ready Capstone
Growth & Care approach
More than a course. A supported learning journey.
Coaching can help learners interpret unsuccessful experiments and improve their own designs; appropriate mentoring can encourage practical interests; and pastoral care supports safe, inclusive making with approved tools and supervision.
The exact coaching, mentoring and pastoral-care practices included are confirmed for each program. An individually assigned mentor is not promised.
Explore our learning approachResponsible entrepreneurship
Educational simulation, not commercial pressure.
These courses develop thinking, communication and project capability. They do not promise profitable ventures, investment, guaranteed leadership outcomes or implemented solutions.
The Forge App
Continue learning with the Forge App.
Forge supports design sketches, prototype records, testing reflections. Parents can follow progress from the parent portal.
Design sketches
Prototype records
Testing reflections
Suggested learning journey
From curiosity to contribution.
This journey is flexible, not a mandatory prerequisite chain. Students may enter at an appropriate point based on age, interests and experience.
Enrolment Open
Young Leaders
Young Leaders supports teamwork, initiative and responsible leadership across the journey. It is not a mandatory prerequisite.
Explore Young LeadersForge learning support
Forge supports design sketches, prototype records, testing reflections. Parents can follow progress from the parent portal.
Available sessions
No Young Inventors session is currently confirmed. Register your interest for approved dates, locations and delivery details.
View Term 1 2027 catalogueFees and enrolment
Fees, available places and enrolment arrangements have not been approved. Register your interest to receive confirmed information.
Register Your InterestFrequently asked
Course questions.
Who is this program suitable for?
Years 3–8. The suggested year range is provisional and requires curriculum approval. Beginner to developing. Guidance is matched to learner age and experience. Educators can help families identify an appropriate entry point.
How are students grouped by age and experience?
Grouping is confirmed for each approved intake. Educators consider age, interests, previous experience and the complexity of the project.
What happens during a typical session?
The program combines guided inquiry, practical challenges, individual or team work, constructive feedback and reflection. Exact activities are adapted to the learner group.
Do students work individually or in teams?
The curriculum may include both individual and collaborative activities. Roles and expectations are adapted to age, strengths and the approved project.
What project will my child develop?
My First Invention: Students identify an everyday challenge and develop an original invention concept, such as a useful desk organiser, simple mechanical device, classroom improvement tool, accessible learning aid or model of an environmentally considerate product. They produce a concept, sketches, materials plan, prototype, test observations, improvement record and final demonstration using age-appropriate materials, tools and supervision. Commercial viability or patentability is not promised.
How does coaching support individual learning?
Educators use questions, encouragement, appropriate challenge and constructive feedback to support independent thinking rather than provide ready-made solutions. An individually assigned mentor is not promised.
Does the program require expensive equipment?
No equipment requirement is confirmed on this page. Approved materials, tools, device needs and safety arrangements are communicated for each intake before enrolment.
Do students need to establish a real business?
No. Venture work is an educational simulation. Students are not required to register a business, accept payments, make financial commitments or enter binding agreements.
Will students use AI?
AI is not promised. Any future use requires separate approval and age, privacy, authorship and safeguarding controls.
How are student projects and personal information protected?
Public sharing, fundraising, external engagement and identifiable student material require appropriate adult approval, supervision and permission. Student intellectual property and authorship are respected.
Does completing this course guarantee confidence or business success?
No. Students receive opportunities to practise and reflect, but no confidence, leadership, commercial, investment or profitability outcome is guaranteed.
What program should my child take next?
Suggested next steps include Robotics & Engineering, Design Thinking and Entrepreneurship. Innovation Challenge Lab remains an enquiry-only possibility.
Where and when are classes available?
No date, time, venue, trainer, capacity or commencement date is confirmed on this page. Register your interest to receive approved details.
Related courses
Continue the learning journey.
These are suggested routes, not mandatory prerequisites. Existing experience can support a different entry point.
Robotics & Computer Science
Applied Robotics & Engineering Academy
Where students learn to think like engineers — design, build, program, test and improve real robotic systems through structured term projects.
Years 2–8 term classes, with advanced coaching and mentoring for Years 9–12.
Explore program
Innovation, Leadership & Entrepreneurship
Design Thinking
Understand people, define challenges and prototype thoughtful solutions.
Years 3–9. The suggested year range is provisional and requires curriculum approval. Beginners welcome. Guidance is matched to learner age and experience.
Explore programInnovation, Leadership & Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship
Explore how ideas become useful, sustainable ventures.
Years 6–10. The suggested year range is provisional and requires curriculum approval. Beginners welcome. Guidance is matched to learner age and experience.
Explore programCurriculum-connected
Curriculum & capability connections
Young Inventors combines design processes with simple science and engineering ideas as students build invention models.
Practical skills and activities
- Identifying everyday problems
- Building and testing invention models
- Presenting inventions
General capabilities
Critical and Creative ThinkingPersonal and Social CapabilityEthical Understanding
View Curriculum Connections
Australian Curriculum v9
- Technologies — Design and TechnologiesSupporting connectionInvestigating needs, generating and evaluating ideas, prototyping
- Humanities and Social SciencesSupporting connectionCommunity needs, economics and business thinking
- ScienceSupporting connectionScience as a human endeavour; testing ideas
Victorian Curriculum
- Critical and Creative Thinking, Personal and Social, and Ethical capabilities (Victorian Curriculum 2.0)
- Design and Technologies — design processes
International references
- IB Approaches to Learning — thinking, communication and social skills
- IB Approaches to Learning — self-management and research skills
- ISTE Standards for Students — Innovative Designer
These connections show how the program complements school learning. They are not accreditation or endorsement by any curriculum authority, and participation does not replace school assessment. Schools can request a program-level mapping summary.
Forge Discovery Starter Session
New to this learning area?
Not sure whether this program is the right starting point for your child? Explore our Forge Discovery Starter Session and discover an introductory learning experience relevant to your child's interests.
Interested in this program?
Tell us what your learner is curious about and we’ll help identify an appropriate next step.