STEM

For Future Engineers and Innovators

Foundation Stage

In foundation stage, science is not taught as a stand-alone topic. Instead, science is embedded into their understanding of the world. Through this, students begin to explore and investigate simple science concepts. These include allowing them to make sense of their physical world and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and learn about technology and the environment. Children recognise that a range of technology is used in places such as homes and schools. They select and use a range of technology for particular purposes.

Primary Stage

Students engage in biweekly scientific investigations in a fully equipped science lab. Here they explore scientific concepts and observe as science comes to life. Students are also given the opportunity to attend an exciting and innovative STEM club where they can explore science outside of their curricular areas and experiment with different lab equipment. Students also participate in biweekly science challenges which allow them to design and create models of common pieces of machinery and infrastructure that they interact with on a daily basis. These include building a car model that can travel a distance of 2 metres, a bridge that can support a tower of books, and a boat that can float on water while carrying cargo. By completing these challenges, students are able to see how science and engineering are modelled around the world.

Secondary Stage

Students participate in a weekly STEM club where they explore science that branches out from the curriculum. They analyse problems, conduct scientific investigations and form conclusions. These practices are influenced by the scientific method and through this, students gain an insight into how science is used in the real world. Students have access to fully equipped science labs where they can plan and conduct experiments. Students also complete biweekly STEM challenges whereby they create and design structures that resemble famous landmarks around the world. These include building a model of the Sydney Harbour bridge out of straws, the Leaning Tower of Pisa out of plastic cups, and the Eiffel Tower out of aluminium foil. As students complete the projects, they collect stamps on their STEM passports. This allows them to see how science and engineering are modelled around the world.