Year 4 students James McIlveen, Jack Gurner, Edith Vogan and James Martin with their bee game. Photo: Martin Kennealey
Camera IconYear 4 students James McIlveen, Jack Gurner, Edith Vogan and James Martin with their bee game. Photo: Martin Kennealey Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Marmion, Darch and Warwick schools among finalists for 2018 Governor’s School STEM Awards

Lucy JarvisJoondalup Times

SCHOOLS in Marmion, Darch and Warwick are among the finalists for the 2018 Governor’s School STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) Awards.

Marmion Primary School is one of six primary category finalists for the awards, while Ashdale Secondary College and Warwick Senior High School are inalists for the secondary category.

Marmion deputy principal Yvonne Darcey said the school was doing a trial with the STEM Education Consortium this year, involving all 400 students from kindy to year 6.

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Mrs Darcey said the consortium had provided professional development for teachers, who had provided feedback on the modules throughout the year.

“It gave them a clear understanding of the adjustments they needed to make and the things that were fantastic about the modules,” she said.

“It needed to support the maths, science and technology curriculum of the school.”

Mrs Darcey said one of the skills they identified for improvement was children’s ability to join things.

“Kids didn’t have skills to join things – all they did was use sticky tape,” she said.

“In year 1 they now learn four different joining techniques.”

Teachers have been involved in a program with ECU to reflect on the STEM program and video clips from the school will be provided as a resource for teachers across WA.

Staff also presented at the STEM Education Conference on September 16 and 17.

Judges will visit the school finalists next month and winners will be announced at Government House on November 26.

Science Minister Dave Kelly said it was important to recognise the commitment and engagement of principals and teachers in developing the skills children would need for the jobs of the future.

“The generic skills students learn studying STEM subjects are transferrable across industries, and critical for their future job prospects,” Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery said.

WA Governor Kim Beazley said the awards recognised the efforts and achievements of schools to prepare WA for the jobs of the future.

“These awards raise the awareness of strong STEM culture in school communities,” he said.

Primary school category finalists:

Bertram Primary School (Bertram)

Brookman Primary School (Langford)

Marmion Primary School (Marmion)

Ocean Road Primary School (Dawesville)

Perth College (Mount Lawley)

Vasse Primary School (Vasse)

Secondary school category finalists:

Ashdale Secondary College (Darch)

Comet Bay College (Secret Harbour)

St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School (Karrinyup)

Warwick Senior High School (Warwick)