STEM takes centre stage at Mary Immaculate Primary School in 2025

12/08/2025

​Mary Immaculate Primary School, Annerley students enjoy their new STEM space! ©Brisbane Catholic Education, Mary Immaculate Primary School, Annerley (2025).

This National Science Week (9 to 17 August), Mary Immaculate Primary School, Annerley is celebrating an exciting new addition to their learning environment, a dedicated STEM classroom. 

The shift, which began in Term 1 2025, has opened the door for a whole-school STEM focus, giving students consistent access to specialised resources and an environment where science, technology, engineering and mathematics thrive. 

 

A space with purpose 

Mary Immaculate Primary School Principal Sally Smith said each week, students from Prep to Year 6 take part in dedicated lessons in science and digital technologies in the STEM room. 

“The world our students are growing up in is changing rapidly,” she said. 

“We created this space to give our students the tools, skills and confidence to thrive in our ever-changing world. 

"We wanted to create a space where they could explore their ideas freely, a place to experiment, build, and see their thinking come to life. 

“Skills they will need now and into the future.” 

Sally said the space was also equipped with “hands-on tools designed to inspire young minds”. 

“The room is now home to coding robots and LEGO Spike sets, helping students bring their ideas to life through building, programming, and hands-on experimentation,” she said.  

“The layout of the room also encourages creativity and collaboration, with student projects showcased around the room, building a visible learning culture that invites students to say, ‘that’s mine, I created that!’” 

Why a dedicated STEM space matters 

Mary Immaculate Primary School STEM specialist teacher Kirsty Shepley said, “children learn best when they do”. 

“This philosophy underpins our school’s STEM program, where students are encouraged to create, build, test, and refine their own ideas,” she said. 

“Having a designated STEM classroom supports integrated learning, allowing students to apply mathematical thinking, scientific knowledge and digital skills to real-world challenges.  

“Whether it’s designing a robot to clean their room, building toys that move, or consulting on a new school playground, our students are engaging in authentic problem-solving. 

“Having a permanent STEM space means equipment doesn’t need to be packed up and reset each time.  

“It’s a space where learning continues across lessons, and where trial and error are seen as essential steps in the learning process.”

 

Shaping the world around them 

Kirsty said in Term 3, senior students were learning about electricity and Prep students were using the space to help design a new school playground. 

“It’s a fun and creative way for our Preps to learn about design, problem-solving, and how their ideas can shape the world around them,” she said. 

“It’s about giving them a voice in shaping the school environment they use every day.” 

Mary Immaculate Primary School’s specialist STEM classroom is also being utilised for specialist Auslan lessons across all year levels in 2025. 

For more information about Mary Immaculate Primary School, Annerley or to enrol click here. 

About National Science Week 

National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology. 

The purposes of National Science Week are to: 
  • Draw the nation’s attention towards the sciences 
  • Spark broad interest and engagement in the sciences 
  • Provide an opportunity for all Australians, including those historically underrepresented in the sciences, to participate in science events and activities 
  • Foster partnerships between the community, research organisations and industry 
  • Trial new and innovative science communication activities. 


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