SEQTA Engage

This year, as a Year 12 student Lily Burgess turned back the clock, swapping her smartphone for a ‘dumb’ phone for three weeks as part of the subject, Activating Identities and Futures (AIF).

Lily borrowed her aunt’s decade-old Nokia 225 4G, with Snake as its only entertainment, to explore the impact of social media on young people’s mental health. The project earned her an A grade.

AIF is a compulsory Stage 2 subject in the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE). It empowers students to take ownership of their learning through self-directed inquiry into a topic of personal interest. Saint Ignatius’ College helped pilot the subject, which became part of the statewide curriculum in 2025.

Lily admitted the switch was challenging, exposing her reliance on her phone for organisation, communication, and even emotional regulation. But it also brought unexpected benefits. “I had more time for schoolwork and no longer procrastinated. I swam at my local pool, returned to painting and artistic makeup, and expanded my social life. I even slept better and grew more confident speaking to strangers without relying on online bookings.”

The challenge also followed her to Perth for the national kayaking championships, where she relied on the Nokia for travel and race logistics. Despite the hurdles, she won both races and went on to represent Australia at the 2025 ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships in Hungary, finishing 16th in the long course.

Lily 1

I had more time for schoolwork and no longer procrastinated. I swam at my local pool, returned to painting and artistic makeup, and expanded my social life.

While Lily has returned to her iPhone, she said the experience has made her more mindful of her usage. “I’ve realised how it can affect my mental health, so now I set time limits on my social media apps.”

Saint Ignatius’ College's Leader of Learning for Cross Disciplinary Studies, Annalisa Barry, said it was rewarding to see AIF grow from a pilot project into a statewide subject. “Learners are empowered to lead their own journey, seek opportunities, and develop the mindset and confidence needed for university, work, and life beyond school.” Other student projects included planning a music festival, refining soccer goal-scoring, and building a scale-model house.

In the same spirit as Lily’s challenge, the College looks forward to introducing the Tech Smart School program next year.