Mater Dei Catholic Primary School creating future-ready learners!

It’s more than a classroom! It’s an iHub.

Mater Dei Catholic Primary School, Ashgrove West, is taking a giant leap forward this Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) Open Week (27 April to 3 May), showcasing a dedicated science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) space to local families. 

The purpose-built learning ‘iHub’ is designed to spark curiosity, supercharge collaboration and power students into the future of learning. 

Future-ready learning 

Mater Dei Catholic Primary School Principal Donna Jones said the iHub reflected Mater Dei’s commitment to future ready learning. 

“A designated STEM and technologies space is a key ingredient in a successful 21st century education,” she said. 

“The iHub has been purposefully designed to support future focused learning, with a wide range of devices and tools that allow students to build skills progressively from the earliest years. 

“From pre-coding computational thinking in Prep and early coding experiences with BeeBots and WeDo kits, the space evolves with students as their learning deepens. 

“As they progress, they will have the opportunity to engage with more advanced technologies, including drones, robotics, microelectronics, MakeyMakey and 3D printers, using the iHub to turn big ideas into tangible creations and bring abstract concepts to life.” 

Teamwork makes the dream work 

Donna said the open plan design of the iHub was “no accident”. 

“The space moves beyond desks and worksheets, allowing students to collaborate as they learn, skills they will need not just for the next stage of their schooling but also in the real world,” she said. 

Across the school, students benefit from a dedicated Technologies teacher for two terms each year, ensuring specialist instruction that helps learning really compute. 

An extension program for gifted and talented students in advanced game coding and artificial intelligence visual recognition is also in development. 

MAD about STEM 

Donna said, “our school’s commitment to STEM education is already delivering impressive results”. 

“Mater Dei has enjoyed multiple years of success at the BCE’s STEM ‘Make a Difference’ (MAD) competition,” she said. 

“In 2024, our students placed 2nd in The Future is STEM category for their invention End the Silence, which saw our students attend STEM MAD Nationals.” 

Discover the Mater Dei Catholic Primary School difference this BCE Open Week! 

Parents and Carers of future scholars are invited to meet the Principal and explore Mater Dei Catholic Primary School’s campus, including the new iHub, on Tuesday, 28th April from 9:00 am.  

Don’t miss your chance to take a sneak peek beyond the school gates, for more information about Mater Dei Catholic Primary School, Ashgrove West or to enrol click here.

Want to know more about what makes a BCE school special? Explore Catholic schools in Brisbane today, click here.

Image caption: Mater Dei Catholic Primary School students inside their state-of-the-art iHub! ©Brisbane Catholic Education, Mater Dei Catholic Primary School, Ashgrove West (2026).