This year, students in Year Five have been participating in Catholic Education’s regional STEM initiative with students from St John’s, St Lawrence’s and St Mary’s. STEM is a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in four specific disciplines, integrating concepts that are usually taught as separate subjects – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – in an interdisciplinary and applied approach. Rather than teach the four disciplines as separate and discrete subjects, STEM integrates them based on real-world applications and emphasises the use of knowledge to real-life situations. 

Over the semester, students used design thinking processes to identify and create a solution to an everyday problem.  Students’ ability to be globally aware, think creativity and ethically, and devise innovative solutions was a highlight. Clean water, improved transportation, energy efficiency and environmental initiatives are some of the outstanding ideas presented by students.   

Thanks to Mr Place and Mrs Schneider for supporting and celebrating all students in their learning and Catholic Education for facilitating the showcase event. We look forward to sharing how STEM is incorporated into other year levels throughout the remainder of the year.