STEM Academy
The Korowa Girls' Stem Academy
Future-focused learning, built for girls
Korowa’s STEM Academy brings together all of our co-curricular STEM programs under one umbrella, making it easier for students to discover opportunities, build skills over time, and explore real-world pathways in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Built on Korowa’s strengths in engineering and applied technology, the STEM Academy expands participation and deepens extension through hands-on programs, competitions, guest speakers, university partnerships and industry experiences.
Two ways to participate
The STEM Academy is designed as a structured platform for deeper engagement, real-world exposure and future-focused skill development. It supports broad participation across the school, while also offering a targeted extension pathway for students with strong interest and aptitude.
Open Access Activities
Inclusive opportunities available to students within specific year levels (and, at times, across multiple year levels). These activities are designed to spark curiosity and build confidence through:
- Guest speakers
- STEM incursions
- Hands-on workshops
- Whole-school STEM challenges and events
STEM Enrichment Program
An invitation-only, targeted program for students who demonstrate strong interest and aptitude in STEM, with approximately 10–15 students per Senior School year level invited each year. Selection is based on a combination of STEM subject academic results as well as participation in optional STEM opportunities during the previous year.
- Advanced, project-based learning
- Mentorship from industry and academic professionals
- National and international competitions
- Specialised workshops and extension experiences
Applied STEM
Signature programs
Korowa’s STEM Academy is anchored by a set of signature programs that bring learning to life through design, experimentation and competition. These programs challenge students to apply knowledge, collaborate under real constraints and develop confidence in solving complex problems.
STEM Racing
STEM Racing
Formerly known as F1 in Schools, STEM Racing is one of Korowa’s strongest and most visible STEM opportunities.
STEM Racing challenges students to design, manufacture and race miniature Formula 1-style cars using CAD and advanced manufacturing technologies, while also developing and demonstrating teamwork, project management and communication.
Korowa teams have competed at state, national and international levels, and the program remains a cornerstone of the Korowa STEM Academy.
Underwater robotics
Underwater Robotics
Korowa students also participate in remotely operated vehicle (ROV) challenges that develop applied engineering thinking, iterative design and problem-solving in authentic, team-based contexts.
Students design, build and test remotely operated vehicles to complete real-world tasks, strengthening skills in mechanical design, systems thinking and collaboration under time and performance constraints.
Korowa was the first ever Australian team to compete at the prestigious MATE ROV World Championships in the US in 2025.
Coding & Digital
Coding & digital challenges
Students are supported to build computational thinking and coding confidence through a range of programs and competitions across the year, including online challenges.
These opportunities encourage logical thinking, creativity and persistence, while introducing students to coding, digital problem-solving and emerging technologies in practical and engaging ways.
Experiences beyond the classroom
The STEM Academy is designed to create regular touchpoints with the broader STEM world: universities, research and industry.
Guest speakers & role models
A curated speaker program introduces students to STEM fields and career stories, with a particular focus on building belonging and visibility of women in STEM.
Excursions, workshops & university partnerships
Across the year, students may take part in STEM-related excursions and incursions aligned to their age and interest, including experiences with universities, museums, and specialist STEM organisations.
STEM Week Festival
In 2026, Korowa will launch a festival-style STEM Week program, including incursions, guest speakers, engagement with local primary schools and events that celebrate women and girls in STEM.
Mentoring opportunities
Where possible, students may have opportunities to connect with Korowa alumni working or studying in STEM-related fields. These conversations help students see potential pathways ahead, ask questions about study and careers, and hear first-hand experiences from women who once sat in the same classrooms.
Additional Opportunities
Pathways & possibilities
Korowa’s STEM Academy complements the curriculum by giving students opportunities to apply learning in real contexts and build confidence in STEM over time, and students may also access STEM-related work experience opportunities.
Community-building and student recognition are facilitated via the STEM Academy Celebration Evening, which celebrates achievements and recognising STEM participation and performance.
Students are able to apply for national and international STEM learning opportunities, including those in far-north Queensland, Adelaide, Japan and Europe.
Frequently asked questions
Do students need to be already good at maths and science to participate in STEM?
No, Korowa’s STEM programs are designed to be inclusive and confidence-building. Students can engage with STEM at many entry points, developing skills gradually through hands-on projects, collaboration and real-world problem-solving, regardless of prior experience.
Is Korowa's STEM Academy only for a small group of high-achieving students?
No, participation is broad, with opportunities for extension. The STEM Academy offers open-access activities for a wide range of students, alongside a targeted enrichment pathway for those who show strong interest or aptitude. This ensures both accessibility and meaningful extension.
What makes STEM at Korowa different for girls?
Korowa’s STEM programs are designed to foster belonging, confidence and leadership for girls. Through teamwork, mentoring, visible female role models and collaborative problem-solving, students are supported to see themselves as capable contributors in STEM fields.
Does STEM Academy connect students with real-world STEM pathways and industry?
Yes. Through competitions, applied projects, guest speakers, university links and emerging industry partnerships, students experience how STEM knowledge is used beyond the classroom. These experiences help students understand future study and career pathways while building practical skills.
How does STEM Academy fit alongside the academic curriculum?
The STEM Academy complements Korowa’s curriculum by giving students opportunities to apply learning in authentic contexts. Students build technical skills, teamwork and confidence while reinforcing knowledge developed in their classroom studies.
Book a tour to see STEM at Korowa up close and discover how every student is supported to participate, build capability and thrive.
