During the week of October 9th to 13th, our students engaged in a variety of activities. The week commenced with a visit to RMIT for our Year 9 and 10 students, where they participated in a stimulating STEM taster day. This day began with informative sessions that guided our students on potential pathways after secondary school, shedding light on their prospects. Subsequently, they engaged in hands-on experiences at taster stations, where they explored algorithms, Makey Makey circuits, thermal cameras, and ozbots.

On Thursday 12th, twenty-six of our students had the privilege of attending the STEM MAD Showcase which is not only a stage for students to present projects addressing pressing community and global challenges but also a platform for celebrating their exceptional achievements. At this event, our students showcased their projects and brought home four prestigious prizes:

NGV – Artful Ingenuity Design Award: Our Year 9 students were recognised for their Sensory Lightboxes, exemplifying their creativity and innovative design skills.

Akorn Education – Most Innovative Assistive Device Award: Once again, Year 9 students were honoured, for their Lightbox projects, which demonstrated their ingenuity in creating an assistive device.

Immersive Education Future is STEM Award: Year 10 students earned this award for their outstanding work during PBL week. ‘Vida Glasses’, showcased the forward-thinking approach to STEM solutions relating to visible/invisible disabilities.

Makers Empire – STEM in Space Award: Year 7 students received this award for their Holobike project, underscoring their excellence in creating solutions for space-related challenges.

In addition to these impressive wins, both the Vida Glasses and the Light Sensory Boxes were recognised as finalists for the VicHealth Young Health Innovator Award. This recognition further solidifies their standing as innovators in the realm of health-related solutions.

These remarkable accomplishments have earned our students a spot at the National STEM MAD Showcase scheduled for November 9th, where they will have the opportunity to present their projects on a larger stage and continue to inspire with their dedication to making a difference in the world.

The week concluded with a celebration for three of our students – Elizabeth Billen, Ace Dal Corobbo and Ruby Watt, who had been mentored by the Bionics Institute, celebrating the culmination of their mentorship journey. This gathering was a testament to their unwavering commitment, hard work, and dedication to excellence within a STEAM field. It showcased how our students are actively making a difference and taking practical actions to tackle the world’s challenges.

Congratulations to all our students, teachers and mentors for the extraordinary accomplishments that make STC shine.