Bringing learning to life

Open Air Innovation Award

An initiative to support our young change makers

Encouraging entrepreneurship in school children, especially in the dynamic and experiential context of our outdoor independent school, empowers them with skills that will serve them for a lifetime. It aligns well with holistic education, promoting independence, creativity, and real-world preparedness. Here’s how we encourage entrepreneurship at Open Air Education…

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Maybe you have thought of a solution to a problem, or you have a creative project to share with the world.

Whatever it is, the Open Air Innovation Station can support this student-led project initiative.

Why encourage entrepreneurship?

Promotes Creativity and Innovation

Entrepreneurship fosters a mindset of creativity and innovation. Children are naturally curious and imaginative, and entrepreneurship gives them the tools to turn ideas into action. In an outdoor school, with the freedom to explore nature and experiment in open spaces, they can think outside the box and develop unique solutions to real-world problems.

Builds Problem-Solving Skills

Entrepreneurs often solve challenges or improve systems. Teaching children to think like entrepreneurs means helping them develop problem-solving skills that they can use in all areas of life. They learn to identify opportunities, analyze situations, and come up with solutions, which is critical for personal and professional success.

Develops Resilience and Adaptability

Entrepreneurship teaches children to embrace failure as part of the learning process. They learn resilience by understanding that setbacks are not the end but rather an opportunity to grow. In an outdoor school environment, where nature teaches patience and adaptability, students can draw parallels between natural challenges and business obstacles, learning to persevere in both.

Encourages Financial Literacy

Understanding money, budgeting, and financial management are key life skills. Entrepreneurship introduces children to basic financial concepts early on, helping them become more financially literate. This can prepare them for real-world financial responsibilities and decision-making in the future.

Teaches Leadership and Teamwork

Running a business, even in a small way, requires leadership skills. Encouraging entrepreneurial projects in school allows children to take initiative, make decisions, and lead others. In addition, entrepreneurship projects often require teamwork, teaching students how to collaborate, delegate, and communicate effectively with peers.

Fosters Independence and Responsibility

Entrepreneurship encourages children to take ownership of their ideas and projects. This nurtures a sense of responsibility and independence. In an outdoor school, where self-direction and hands-on learning are often emphasized, entrepreneurial activities align well with the ethos of learning by doing and taking initiative.

Prepares for Future Careers

Entrepreneurship helps children understand the world of business and commerce, which is essential as they prepare for the future workforce. Even if they don’t become entrepreneurs, the skills they gain—critical thinking, innovation, leadership, and resilience—are invaluable for any career path they choose.

Supports Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship

In an outdoor school, entrepreneurial education can incorporate a focus on sustainable business practices. Students can create projects that address environmental challenges, such as starting eco-friendly ventures or inventing ways to solve local environmental problems. This teaches them to balance business with sustainability, which is essential in today’s world.

Encourages Initiative and Ownership of Learning

Entrepreneurship empowers students to take control of their learning. Rather than following a set curriculum, students can explore topics they are passionate about and create projects that matter to them. This enhances their motivation and engagement, leading to deeper learning and personal growth.

Cultivates a Growth Mindset

Entrepreneurship helps children develop a growth mindset—the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and persistence. They learn to view challenges as opportunities, not obstacles, and recognize the value of continuous learning, which is crucial for success in any aspect of life.

Boosts Confidence and Communication Skills

Entrepreneurship requires pitching ideas, networking, and presenting plans. This helps children develop strong communication skills and boosts their confidence. Outdoor environments, where children may present projects in natural settings, add an element of freedom and ease that helps them become more comfortable with public speaking and expressing their ideas.

Open Air Innovation Award - the details

To qualify for an Open Air Innovation Award, projects must support the Sustainable Development Goals.

Successful execution requires careful planning, considering all aspects.

All ideas are welcome and valued, fostering an inclusive creative environment for students’ confidence and creativity to flourish.

Open Air Innovation Award - the process…

Supporting young change-makers, educators, and community members to connect, collaborate, and activate solutions for real-world problems following Sustainable Development Goals. Key principles include thoughtful planning, respect for all ideas, accessible assistance and mentoring, fostering trust and respect in collaborations, and promoting design thinking and project management skills.
The Open Air Bank provides financial support for student projects at Open Air Education, facilitating the implementation of student ideas aligned with global Sustainable Development Goals.
Boost student-led sustainability initiatives by offering micro-loans and micro-grants, empowering students to address real problems, align projects with Sustainable Development Goals, and share outcomes globally.
Structured into 5 steps based on school year group:
1. Submit your project
2. Open Air Bank application
3. The Pitch
4. Announcement
5. Monitoring
Projects will be assessed based on criteria including community impact, engagement, potential, feasibility, sustainability assessment, financial viability, and available resources and partners.