STEM

Girls Leading the Way in STEM

This term, in Week 6, Academy Year 8 STEM students put their problem-solving, engineering and teamwork skills to the test in the exciting Zombie Escape Room Challenge, competing against teams from Simonds College.  The challenge saw students immersed in a fictional zombie outbreak where they were required to solve a series of science, technology, 

engineering and mathematics (STEM) missions to escape and save humanity.

The competition featured eight teams of four students, with four all-girls teams and four all-boys teams competing against one another.  Students tackled a range of challenges including decoding secret messages, analysing DNA evidence from "Patient Zero", building a model bridge to cross a dangerous zombie-infested zone, and developing a cure using scientific clues.  Success required critical thinking, creativity, resilience and effective teamwork.

While one Simonds College boys' team achieved an impressive first place overall, the Academy girls demonstrated remarkable consistency across the competition.  The girls' teams secured second, third, fourth and fifth places, meaning that when the results were considered collectively, the girls emerged as the overall winners of the challenge.  This outstanding result highlighted not only their STEM capabilities but also their ability to work effectively together under pressure.  

The girls naturally demonstrated strong teamwork skills.  They communicated openly, listened to one another's ideas, shared responsibilities and encouraged each other throughout the challenges.  Rather than competing within their groups, they quickly recognised each team member's strengths and worked together to solve problems efficiently.  Their ability to collaborate, support one another and remain focused on the task was a significant factor in their success.

The competition provided an excellent opportunity to challenge stereotypes about who participates and excels in STEM.  Their success serves as a reminder that STEM is for everyone and that diverse teams bring valuable perspectives to complex challenges. Throughout the day, all students displayed persistence, adaptability and enthusiasm. They quickly discovered that success in STEM is not about finding instant answers but about asking questions, testing ideas, learning from mistakes and working together to achieve a common goal.  

The success of the event was also made possible by the efforts of our College Maths Club, whose members stepped up to assist with the organisation and running of the day. From helping to create and set up challenge stations and prepare materials, to guiding teams through the competition and keeping events running smoothly, the Maths Club students demonstrated outstanding leadership, responsibility and school spirit.  Their contribution ensured that all participants could fully engage in the experience and helped make the day a memorable success for everyone involved.

Who knows?  Among these students may be the future scientists, engineers, medical researchers and innovators who will tackle the world's biggest challenges.

Ms Colleen Marriott

STEM Leader

Grok Cyberstars!

A big congratulations to the following students, who successfully completed the Grok Cyber Comp Aotearoa and earned certificates for their fantastic efforts:

• Ava Bryce (7 Green)

• Caitlin Cox (7 Blue)

• Hannah Nguyen (8 Blue)

• Georgia Xenoyiannakis (9 Melba)

• Amelia Petruccelli (10 Green)

The online competition introduced students to the exciting world of cyber security through a series of fun and practical challenges.  Students explored important online safety topics, including creating strong passwords, recognising phishing attempts, checking security settings and using social media safely.

By taking part in the competition, these students demonstrated excellent problem-solving skills, persistence and a willingness to challenge themselves while learning more about technology and cyber security.

Well done to all five students on this wonderful achievement and their well-deserved certificates.   We are very proud of our cyberstars! 

Ms Betty Lin

Technology (IT) Learning Leader