What TICE Students Taught Us This Year
Every year, we set out to guide, mentor, and inspire. But here’s the truth:
We learn just as much from the students as they do from us.
TICE is built on the belief that young people are creative thinkers, risk-takers, storytellers, and problem-solvers. This year, they reminded us of that in ways big and small. Whether they were exploring fashion futures, composing original songs, or slowing down to reflect through film and photography, students consistently challenged us to see things differently.
Here’s what we’ll be carrying with us into next year—and beyond.
1. Curiosity Drives Everything
This year, we saw students push past the expected. They experimented with materials they’d never used, explored new art forms, and asked thoughtful questions about the world around them.
In Dream Diaries, they turned subconscious stories into embroidered keepsakes. In Plantopia, they blended technology and nature with bold visual ideas. Curiosity didn’t just fuel their work—it transformed it.
“I didn’t think I’d be able to come up with anything I liked... but when I let myself experiment, it all came together.”
— Student, Plantopia
2. Young People Are Already Thinking Deeply About the Future
Whether it was sustainability, identity, mental health, or digital ethics, students brought a level of thoughtfulness that stayed with us. In Beyond the Buy, they didn’t just critique fast fashion—they reimagined personal style. In Sounds of Self, they created soundscapes that captured what peace means to them.
“I realised that fashion doesn’t have to be about trends—it can be about who I am.”
— Student, Beyond the Buy
These weren’t just projects. They were reflections of how young people see the world—and the changes they want to be part of.
3. Process Over Perfection Always Wins
Some of the most powerful outcomes we saw this year weren’t “perfect”—and that’s the point. Students showed us again and again that taking creative risks, reflecting on mistakes, and adapting ideas leads to more meaningful work.
We saw this in Time Keepers, where students rethought how photography could capture emotion. And in Savouring Simplicity, where a one-minute film became a meditation on daily life.
“This taught me to be OK with not getting it right the first time.”
— Student, Time Keepers
4. When You Give Young People a Platform, They Take the Lead
The TICE process isn’t about giving answers—it’s about creating space. What we saw this year was students stepping up, speaking out, and making choices that were uniquely theirs.
From composing songs in Melodies Without Borders to crafting surrealist visuals in Circus Act, they shaped their creative journeys in ways that surprised even us.
“I’ve never had this much control over what I make—it’s been one of the best parts.”
— Student, Circus Act
What We’ll Take Forward
Trust students with real creative freedom
Keep the brief open—but the support strong
Never underestimate the value of documenting the journey
Stay inspired by their honesty, humour, and ambition
TICE students didn’t just complete projects this year—they made us rethink how we teach, create, and collaborate.
So, thank you. You reminded us why this work matters. You challenged us to keep evolving. And you proved—again—that creativity isn’t something young people learn. It’s something they already have.
We can’t wait to see what you do next.