Aboriginal STEM Congress

Last week our senior Aboriginal students attended the 2024 STEM Aboriginal Student Congress held at the Adelaide Convention Centre.  It was an amazing opportunity for our senior learners to be exposed to a world of science and technology, and be inspired by the life stories of some very exceptional Aboriginal STEM entrepreneurs. 

The two day Congress had over 800 students from 186 schools from across the state coming together to be inspired by over 50 STEM activities, key note addresses and even a Rap music concert!

The keynote speeches included the young Australian of the year, who pioneered feeding livestock a special seaweed that reduces harmful methane emissions by an amazing 90%!  They listened to an Aboriginal game designer who has started his own game designing company on the back of his work on the famous “Call of Duty” game franchise.  His story of success despite not learning to read until year 8 and being mute through most of his Primary School years was truly inspiring.  His work in augmented reality has our students keen to lead some learning in this field at our school.

There were strong links to country and culture with our learners taking part in traditional music activities and new and inclusive ways to acknowledge country.  Our students are excited to work on a new acknowledgment of country for our assemblies, so watch this space.

The concert performance of Aboriginal R&B band Dem Mob to close the Congress was an opportunity to see how music can be made using technology, and our learners joined the band on stage for a very thrilling experience.

All in all the Congress was a wonderful event for our senior Aboriginal students with lots of inspiring and engaging experiences to draw upon as they transition into higher learning.

Mr Starling

Year 5/6 Teacher and supervising teacher