Innovation

Innovation is a mindset—a way of engaging with the world. Branksome students are developing the skills, mindset and tools to challenge the status quo and change the world. Our Noodle accelerator program and iCAST building are just some examples of how the culture of innovation at Branksome runs deep.

Noodle

Branksome Hall’s Noodle program is a unique offering providing students the opportunity to develop their creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship skills. Noodle is designed to address the gender gap in science, technology, engineering and entrepreneurship fields by empowering students to pursue their passions and turn their ideas into reality. Here are some of the benefits and features of participating in Noodle:

• Noodle is open to all students from Grades 7–12 who have an innovative idea for a product, service or solution that can make a positive impact on the world. Students can apply individually or in teams of up to four members.
• Noodle provides students with mentorship, guidance and resources from faculty, expert advisors and entrepreneurs.
• Noodle challenges students to learn by doing. Participants go through the stages of ideation, validation, prototyping, testing and launching their ventures. They also learn how to pitch their ideas, market their products and manage their finances.
• Noodle celebrates students' achievements and showcases their work to the Branksome community and beyond. Students participate in events such as the Noodle Pitch Competition, where they present their ventures to a panel of judges and compete for prizes and recognition. Students also have the opportunity to network with other young innovators and entrepreneurs.

Noodle is more than just a program. It is a mindset, a culture and a community that fosters creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship among Branksome students. Noodle helps students discover their potential, develop their skills and make a difference in the world. If you are interested in joining Noodle or learning more about it, please visit https://www.branksome.on.ca/about-noodle or contact noodle@branksome.on.ca.

Noodle Jr.

Recognizing the immense potential for creativity and innovation in younger students, Branksome Hall has introduced a Junior School version of the acclaimed Noodle program, aptly named Noodle Jr. This 10-week accelerator program is tailored specifically for students in Grades 5 and 6, offering them an age-appropriate curriculum designed to nurture their entrepreneurial spirit and spark their curiosity. Noodle Jr. aims to instill confidence and self-belief in young girls, providing them with the tools and support they need to transform their imaginative ideas into tangible projects with real-world impact.

Throughout the Noodle Jr. program, students work collaboratively in teams to develop their unique product, service or solution, guided by dedicated mentors and faculty members. Emphasizing hands-on learning, Noodle Jr. allows these young innovators to progress through the stages of ideation, validation, prototyping, testing and launching their ventures. The program culminates in a student trade show, where participants have the opportunity to showcase their hard work and accomplishments to the Branksome community and beyond. By providing this platform for celebration and recognition, Noodle Jr. not only fosters a strong sense of camaraderie and pride among its participants but also inspires other young students to explore their own potential in the fields of science, technology, engineering and entrepreneurship.

iCAST

Branksome Hall is building a new Innovation Centre and Studio Theatre (iCAST) on the East campus that will enhance our current facilities to meet the demands of our innovation curriculum.

The Innovation Centre and Studio Theatre will be a world-class education facility allowing students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12, teachers and staff to come together under one roof with scholars, industry leaders, artists and entrepreneurs.

This facility will embrace the school values of sense of community, inclusiveness, creativity and making a difference, while amplifying our core mission to challenge and inspire girls to love learning and shape a better world.

The project is about enhancing Branksome Hall’s programming and enriching our learning environments. The Innovation Centre and Studio Theatre, with its state-of-the-art facilities, will encourage our students to explore and realize ideas which have a positive societal impact and will allow us to build on our existing partnerships and seek out new ones.