STEAM
Aligning with the National STEM School Education Strategy, Mater Dei Catholic College aims to ensure students have a stronger foundation in STEM and become more curious about STEM based subjects throughout their senior years. The Strategy was developed in response to the Chief Scientists report Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and provided key evidence and support for the successful creation of the Year 8 STEAM program. (OECD, 2026)
Year 8 STEAM is the integrated teaching and learning of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics. Year 8 students have started the year by developing their enterprise skills through the Makerspace Unit. Students have participated in a variety of “hands on” activities such as the Paper Plate Roller Coaster Challenge and Maze building Challenge. They have worked in collaborative learning teams of approximately three students in roles such as Project Manager, Engineer and Mathematician to solve various complex problems solving tasks.
The teaching team has been impressed by students’ willingness to take risks in their learning, alongside setting clear goals in regards to building relationships with others, developing resilience, flexibility and demonstrating active listening skills. Students are required to reflect on their learning, participation and involvement in each Challenge and will be assessed on the area of GRIT over the next two weeks.
International Women’s Day 2026 - Balance the Scales
Simone Clarke, CEO of the UN Women Australia stated that “Balance the Scales is a promise for every woman and girl to be safe, heard, and free to shape her own future. In 2026, unjust laws, policies, and ingrained barriers still stand in the way of fair and inclusive communities. This International Women’s Day, we are calling on Australians to join a movement for real action – to transform our justice systems, amplify marginalised voices, and ensure equality is not the exception, but the rule.”
A collaboration between Mater Dei Catholic College and Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) brought approximately one hundred students together from regional areas such as Cootamundra, Temora, Young, Tumut, Junee and Wagga to join together to discuss possibilities, opportunities and challenges.
The theme, “Balance the Scales”, was explored through various group activities, guest speakers, discussions, innovative sculpture designs and community connections, on Thursday 5 March at the Transgrid Discovery Hub. Starting those conversations about building inclusivity, confidence and knowledge and understanding in how we can all “Balance the Scales” are important steps into creating lasting change.
Did you know that:
Based on the current growth rate, it will take until 2158, which is roughly 5 generations from now, to reach full gender parity (equal contribution by men and women to all aspects of life) (WEF and IWD, 2025)
1 in 3 women experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime
1 in 4 parliamentarians worldwide are women
It will be 2086 before the gender pay gap is closed if the current trends continue
Mrs Courtney Freebody | Leader of Learning - Digital Technology and STEM
