From Karratha to Bunbury, nine schools from across Western Australia have been named as finalists in the 2021 Governor's School STEM Awards.
The awards highlight best practice teaching and learning in STEM education.
Recognising education and leadership teams that take a whole-of-school approach to STEM learning, the awards support the Western Australian Government's STEM skills strategy, 'Future jobs, future skills', which prioritises increasing student participation in STEM to prepare them for jobs in new and emerging industries.
Since the start of the awards in 2015, outstanding STEM education programs from 25 schools have been awarded a total of $36,000 in prizes.
The six finalist primary schools are:
- Marble Bar Primary School (Marble Bar);
- Harrisdale Primary School (Harrisdale);
- Bunbury Primary School (Bunbury);
- Baynton West Primary School (Karratha);
- Sacred Heart Primary School (Highgate); and
- Coolbinia Primary School (Coolbinia).
The three finalist secondary schools are:
- Ashdale Secondary College (Darch);
- Joseph Banks Secondary College (Banksia Grove); and
- Dongara District High School (Dongara).
All finalists will receive an excursion to Scitech or a DIY science kit for an entire term of lessons.
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in November. Two awards will be presented in both the primary and secondary school categories:
- Leadership Excellence Award - $2,000 prize;
- Meritorious Leadership Award - $1,000 prize.
Winners will also receive a tour of Government House.
For more information, visit http://www.scitech.org.au
As stated by Science Minister Roger Cook:
"It is fantastic to see the finalists in the 2021 Governor's School STEM Awards have come from all across Western Australia.
"One thing all the finalists have in common is that they have built a strong STEM learning environment for their students.
"The awards support our STEM skills strategy, which outlines the Western Australian Government's commitment to ensuring our students have the STEM skills they need to navigate the career paths of the future."
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"The finalists in this year's Governor's School STEM Awards represent the very best of STEM teaching and learning in Western Australia.
"More than ever before, a high-quality STEM education has the potential to shape a student's future. We want all Western Australian students to have access to the highest quality facilities and resources in STEM.
"As part of the 2021-22 State Budget, more than 400 public primary schools across Western Australia will benefit from a new $18.2 million primary school science program."
As stated by the Hon. Kim Beazley AC, Governor of Western Australia:
"Congratulations to the primary and secondary schools named as finalists in this year's Governor's School STEM Awards.
"Started seven years ago by my predecessor, the Honourable Kerry Sanderson AC, the awards recognise and celebrate excellence in STEM education.
"I look forward to celebrating the finalists' achievements at the awards presentation in November, and welcoming the winners to Government House for a tour."
