On Thursday, June 19th, ISZN’s Grade 8 students presented the culmination of a six-month journey — the first-ever Grade 8 Challenge Exhibition.

This student-led project encouraged learners to pursue a topic they were genuinely passionate about and to develop a final product that reflected their curiosity, creativity, and voice. From app design to tackling the ethics of AI, fast fashion, and renewable energy, each project was a window into the interests and concerns of today’s youth.

But the Grade 8 Challenge was about more than what students produced — it was about who they became along the way. Through research, mentoring, collaboration, and reflection, students built confidence, confronted self-doubt, and developed the skills to lead their own learning.

As one of our key Middle Years innovations, the Challenge brings together academic rigour and social-emotional development — giving students the tools to shape their futures with purpose and agency.

We’re very proud of our Grade 8 learners and grateful to the staff, mentors, and families who guided and supported them.