Our Curriculum - STEM

What is STEM education?

STEM Education in Australian primary schools is essential for preparing students to thrive in a fast-paced, technology-driven world. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics—four key areas that shape our daily lives and the future of work. Introducing these subjects in an integrated and engaging way from an early age builds a strong foundation for learning and helps students make meaningful connections between classroom concepts and real-world applications.

At our school, STEM is brought to life through hands-on, inquiry-based learning that encourages students to explore, ask questions, and solve problems. Whether designing a bridge, coding a robot, investigating a science experiment, or working with numbers, students are challenged to think critically, work collaboratively, and develop innovative solutions. These skills are not only essential for future careers but are also valuable in everyday life, helping students become resilient, adaptable, and confident learners.

STEM education also plays a key role in promoting equity and opportunity. By exposing all students to STEM from a young age, we ensure every child—regardless of background or ability—has the chance to engage with and succeed in these vital fields. This inclusive approach helps break down stereotypes and encourages more diverse participation in areas traditionally underrepresented.

As the Australian workforce continues to evolve, jobs of the future will increasingly demand strong STEM capabilities. By nurturing curiosity, creativity, and a passion for discovery, STEM education equips our students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in a knowledge-based economy. More importantly, it empowers them to become innovative thinkers, problem-solvers, and leaders of tomorrow.

STEM is more than just a set of subjects—it’s a way of thinking, learning, and preparing for the future.

What does STEM education look like at Birralee Primary School?

At our school, all students from Prep to Year 6 engage in a dedicated 50-minute STEM session each week. These sessions are designed to foster curiosity, resilience, and a growth mindset through hands-on, inquiry-based learning. Our STEM curriculum places a strong emphasis on developing higher-order thinking skills by integrating opportunities for collaboration, communication, research, critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.

Throughout the year, students engage in age-appropriate STEM programs tailored to build foundational and advanced skills. In Term 4, our focus shifts to the Chemistry curriculum, where students explore scientific concepts through engaging experiments and investigations aligned with the Victorian Curriculum.

Key programs across the year levels include: 

  • Prep: Introduction to Growth Mindset, Code and Go Mousebots for early coding and sequencing skills, and imaginative and structural building challenges using KEVA Planks.
  • Year 1: Building creative structures with Strawbees, problem-solving with OSMO Newton and Tangram, and constructing laser-cut wooden race cars to explore design and engineering.
  • Year 2: Developing foundational coding skills using Scratch, continued engineering exploration with Strawbees, constructing laser-cut wooden drones, and engaging in introductory 3D printing projects.
  • Year 3: Advancing coding through Scratch, learning logic and systems thinking with Turing Tumbles, and participating in strategic game-based learning to develop planning and decision-making skills.
  • Year 4: Programming and navigating Sphero Robots, further developing computational thinking with Turing Tumbles, exploring engineering and coding in Minecraft Education, and working with Robot Rovers.
  • Year 5: Applying the Engineering Design Process through marble run construction, expanding robotics skills with Sphero, and exploring coding and sensors with Microbits.
  • Year 6: Participating in Project Aerospace, advanced 3D printing, integrating technology and coding through Minecraft and Microbits, and completing an interactive QR Code Scavenger Hunt.

Our STEM program aims to inspire future innovators by equipping students with essential 21st-century skills in a supportive and engaging learning environment.

Birralee also hosts a blog https://birraleestem.wordpress.com/ , that is updated regularly with STEM activities that can be done at home as a family.