What a year it’s been!
Launching a new programme in the middle of the first global pandemic in 100 years was no small task. However, that didn’t stop The B!G Idea from getting off the ground and making history.
There were so many highs in 2021 that it was hard to choose just a few. To reflect on the journey, we asked the team to share their top 12 B!G moments of 2021.
Pressing the “Live” button was a huge moment for the whole team. Months of planning, dreaming, and preparation finally came together — and suddenly, the world could see what we had been building.
With schools closed and home-schooling in full swing, delivering swag bags to 500 students was a challenge. From snowy mountain roads to unexpected country detours, it was an adventure we won’t forget.
Welcoming 100+ mentors in our very first year was incredible. Seeing their enthusiasm and commitment come to life set the tone for everything that followed.
There were plenty of laughs along the way. From technical hiccups and multiple retakes to nervous mentors and unexpected comments, the B!G 5 quickly became a firm favourite.
So many creative projects. So much talent. Making the final decision wasn’t easy, but the excitement was real.
What a day! The energy was electric from early morning at Sonica. With photographers, videographers, sound engineers, and mentors buzzing around, excitement levels were sky high.
Being endorsed by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) was a major milestone. It meant The B!G Idea became a suggested Transition Year curriculum component.
Seeing the mentor list grow from 100+ in 2021 to over 250 for 2022 was mind-blowing. Our goal of 400 mentors suddenly felt possible.
Santa came early when a delivery of B!G LEGO arrived at our door. Very tempting indeed.
In October, the team spent a day learning LEGO Serious Play methods. It was great fun and gave us a glimpse of what future students would experience.
Our pilot Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) programme launched at Larkin Community College, Dublin. The 12-week programme received phenomenal feedback from both teachers and students.
The perfect way to end the year. We won the Design Education and Research Award and the Overall Grand Prix Award at the Irish Design Institute Awards. Recognition from industry experts was the ultimate icing on the cake.
As the year comes to a close, we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported us in 2021.
Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas, and we can’t wait to see what 2022 brings.
