STEM

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)

Our STEM program aims to develop 21st Century skills in critical thinking, communication, creativity and collaboration. 

Our Vision: Woodvale students who have knowledge and skill in applying STEM practice to the real world. 

Our Mission:  

Throughout Year 7 to Year 10, all students have the opportunity to engage in programs such as digital gaming, robotics, electronics, engineering, building and construction, design, computational thinking, virtual reality, food production, sustainability, biotech and scientific modelling. The wide array of programs ensures there is something in the STEM field for every student.

Student Participation

The establishment of the iCentre in 2018 as a place for students and teachers to gather to engage in cross learning area complex tasks has certainly established the importance of STEM. The centre will undertake a major upgrade in 2023 with the addition of an enhanced mechantronics lab and a series of virtual reality rooms. 

Some highlights held in the iCentre have been: 

• • Year 9 WitWA Tech-trails program – students were exposed to persons in STEM industries (many were women) who outlined their roles and what they were looking to do in the future. 
  • Year 8 STEM Day – students spent a whole day engaging in STEM challenges, some of which demanded they provide solutions to problems using the ‘Design Thinking’ process. Some of these solutions were presented to the Building and Grounds Committee for their consideration and implementation. 
  • Year 7 Induction Activity – As a part of their induction to Woodvale, Year 7s were asked to work in groups to build catapults. 
  • Year 9 STEM Day – Students had a video link presentation on careers by Astrophysicist Dr Brad Tucker (ANU) followed by a series of STEM activities including water treatment solutions, bioengineering and paper tower construction. 
  • The Year 10, 11 and 12 Woodvale Careers event which saw TAFEs, universities, government departments and providers outline their programs. 

Other STEM based activities that students have participated in include:
Year 10 Australian Brain Bee Challenge, Year 8 In-school Bridge Building Competition, Year 8 Makey-Makey Prototype design, Year 8 Synergy Schools Solar Challenge, United Nations Global Goals Youth Forum at Murdoch University, Woodvale’s Got Talent STEM activity, Year 9 and 10 Robotics Club, Firetech Drones and Robots incursions, Woodvale War on Waste, Sustainability, Labrats Schools Out Program and numerous classroom based STEM activities.