What is capstone project?
Quick answer
A capstone project is a substantial final piece of work where a student applies everything learned across a programme to one problem of their own choosing.
Grade 11 and 12 students defend a capstone before a panel that includes an industry mentor.
In context
It is the closest school gets to professional practice: scope, plan, build, evaluate and defend.
For senior students it doubles as portfolio evidence for university and competition entry.
In a NASCA classroom
Grade 11 and 12 students defend a capstone before a panel that includes an industry mentor.
Related terms
Project-based learning
Project-based learning organises teaching around an extended, real task that students complete and present, with content taught at the point it is needed.
Portfolio assessment
Portfolio assessment judges a student on a curated body of real work produced over time, rather than on a single timed examination.
STEAM education
STEAM education teaches science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics as one connected practice, usually through projects where students design, build and test something real.