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If sports have their assemblies, academics have their prize-givings, and musical talents have their concerts
 how do we celebrate the innovators, the artists, designers, and makers?

The Curiosity SPARC Awards™

“It always seems impossible until it's done.”
– Nelson Mandela
If sports have assemblies, academics have prize-givings, and music has concerts, how do we celebrate the innovators, the artists, the makers?

For more than a decade, AJ Studio has opened doors for children to explore creativity.
As technology grows, so does the need for authentic creativity. There are no rewards for memorising chapters. Success for future generations requires more than scores or finished workbooks. What matters most is curiosity, the spark that fuels exploring, questioning, and innovating, making space for critical thinking and problem-solving to grow.

The Curiosity SPARC Awards™ are open worldwide. They honour creativity alongside sport and academics, welcoming every child, in all languages, at all experience levels, and with all abilities.
The Curiosity SPARC Awards™, solve problems and reflect creatively, for curious, kind kids.

How to Earn a Badge

1. Choose a Badge

Pick a badge that excites you, art, design, storytelling, coding, invention, or more.

2. Complete a Project

Each badge comes with a project guide. You’ll create, experiment, and reflect on what you’ve learned along the way.

3. Earn Your Badge

Once your project is complete and signed off by your clever supporter, you’ll receive a SPARC badge, physical, digital, or both.

4. Collect & Grow

Badges connect into bigger and deeper topics. Earn more to unlock higher milestones and awards, let's celebrate your progress.

Together, We Create

The Curiosity SPARC Awards are open worldwide, to students at AJ Studio, and schools everywhere. Together we are building a culture where creativity is celebrated as much as sports and academics.
This is bigger than badges. It’s about fanning curiosity into flame, recognising creativity as a vital skill for the future, and making sure every child has the chance to shine.

Fix-It Maker

Recommended Ages 5-7

Throw it away? Not here!

Magic Mistakes

Recommended Ages 8-10

Mistakes. Really? Think again!

Design Realities

Ages 10-12

Coming soon.

Making the Impossible

Ages 12-14

Coming soon.

Frequently asked questions
1. What are the Curiosity SPARC Awards™ ?
The Curiosity SPARC Awards™ are a creative badge system for children aged 5–14. SPARC™ stands for Solve Problems And Reflect Creatively. Each badge celebrates curiosity, resilience, and original thinking in art, design, and beyond.
2. Who can earn a SPARC badge™ ?
Any child aged 5–14 can work toward a SPARC badge, whether they attend AJ Studio classes, take part in school partnerships, or join one of our holiday programmes.
3. How do students earn a badge?
Each badge has a set of creative challenges. Students complete the activities, reflect on their process, and share their work with a tutor or mentor. Once complete, they are awarded a badge to mark their achievement.
4. Are the badges age-specific?
Yes. Badges are grouped by developmental stages: Years 1–3, Years 4–6, Years 7–10, Years 11–13.
5. Can students try badges from other age groups?
Yes. While we recommend starting with the age-appropriate level, students are welcome to challenge themselves with badges from older groups or revisit younger ones if it sparks their interest. The focus is on curiosity and growth, not restriction.
6. Do badges focus only on art?
Not at all. While many badges use art and design as the starting point, the awards also cover invention, storytelling, technology, nature, and social impact. The goal is to celebrate creativity in all its forms.
7. How long does it take to complete a badge?
Some badges can be completed in just a few days, especially through our workshops or holiday programmes. Others may take a few weeks or longer. There is no time limit, and students are free to move at their own pace.
8. What form does the reflection take?
Reflection looks different for every age. Younger children might draw, record a voice note, or talk with a tutor. Older students may prefer to write, create a short video, or share a portfolio. The important part is thinking about what was learned and how challenges were overcome.
9. What happens after a child earns a badge?
They receive a physical badge, along with recognition of their effort and growth. Earning badges also contributes to milestone achievements (for example, completing 7 badges is celebrated with a special award).
10. Can children work toward more than one badge?
Yes. There’s no limit to the number of badges a child can earn. Each badge highlights a different area of creativity, so children can build a unique portfolio of achievements.
11. How are the badges assessed?
Assessment is based on effort, creativity, and reflection, not perfection. Tutors look for original ideas, persistence through challenges, and the ability to talk about what was learned along the way.
12. Do badges connect to school learning?
Yes. The badges are designed to align with curriculum goals such as creative thinking, problem solving, and communication. Teachers can integrate badges into class projects, extension programmes, or enrichment opportunities.
13. What makes these badges special?
Unlike traditional tests or certificates, SPARC badges™ celebrate the messy, playful, and experimental side of learning. They encourage children to take risks, make mistakes, and discover their own voice.
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