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Year 8 students unleash their creativity

29 September 2025

On a March morning, an eager group of Year 8 students gathered to start a learning adventure.

Some love to write. Others aspire to be lawyers and scientists. Today, they’re challenged to unleash their creativity and produce something magical; a wildly original, deeply personal, radio poetry play.

Thanks to generous support like yours, they’re taking part in SmArts.

This innovative out-of-school program helps students grow their confidence and develop valuable skills. Writing. Teamwork. Creative thinking. And problem solving. It also gives them crucial insights into what an arts career might offer, just as they’re considering elective subjects for Year 9.

SmArts is just one of the highly innovative learning programs students can access thanks to your gifts. This kind of mentoring gives Australian children the chance to dream big for their future – and develop the skills and contacts they need to pursue it.

Immersed in creativity

Over four days, the students visit recording studios, learn about podcasts and radio, and explore types of poetry. Then, they develop an entire radio play. With zombies.

“Students get to discover things about themselves that never had the chance to come out before. They get to see how great they really are,” says Phil, from our program partner Story Factory.

Their teacher agrees: “My students are from a low socio-economic area. Being able to learn experientially, with mentors they would never otherwise meet, has given them skills that will serve them for years to come.”

two high school students are filming and recording with a teacher supporting them

They see for themselves how great they really are.

Phil, Story Factory Facilitator

a group of high school students in their school hall with their teacher

And what do the students say?

That SmArts “helped me get on my creative side,” and “got me to push past my boundaries”.

Best of all, it gave students guidance and inspiration for the future, proving the impact of your wonderful support. “It was fun to explore what I could be – and it definitely helped me decide what I want to do.”

Read more student and family stories in our Spring 2025 edition of Your Support, Real Impact.