Elixirr Innovation Day: Real-World Learning in Action
Five Year 12 students had the opportunity to attend the Elixirr Innovation Day at Harris Academy St John’s Wood this month.
This exciting event was delivered byElixirr, an award-winning consulting firm, and was designed to give students a genuine insight into the world of business and innovation. The Elixirr Innovation Day was an inspiring opportunity to help students connect classroom learning with the world of work, boosting confidence, aspiration, and readiness for future careers.
Throughout the day, students worked collaboratively in small teams of four to five, taking on a live business challenge set by Elixirr. Supported by industry professionals, they were encouraged to think critically, share ideas confidently, and apply structured problem-solving techniques in a fast-paced, professional environment.
Key objectives for the day
Develop Key Employability Skills. Students build essential skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and professional presentation—skills that are highly valued by employers.
Dive into Design Thinking. They explore a proven design thinking framework used by Elixirr with real clients, learning how to approach complex, real-life business challenges creatively and logically.
Hands-On Team Experience. By working in teams, students immediately put theory into practice, learning how to contribute ideas, listen to others, and deliver a shared outcome under time pressure.
The images from the day capture the energy and focus of the event. Students worked in discussion groups and sharing ideas to develop solutions. Groups also present their thinking to an audience, standing confidently with posters that map out their ideas, while peers and staff listen attentively. These scenes reflect a highly engaging, hands-on learning experience that mirrors real workplace collaboration.
Harris Dulwich Boys was the first of 16 groups to present to the panel of Elixxir judges and although they didn’t take the overall win, they received an honourable mention behind the runner ups, for their participation and innovative ideas.