One of the advantages of a Prep to Year 12 education is that learning grows alongside each student. At Korowa, our Junior School STEM program lays the foundations early, giving girls the opportunity to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on learning that builds curiosity, confidence, and capability long before they enter Senior School.
A strong STEM foundation from the very beginning
STEM learning begins early and grows with students throughout the Junior School.
From the early years to Year 4, science is integrated into classroom learning, giving students regular opportunities to observe, question, and investigate the world around them through inquiry-based learning.
The Margaret Brumby AM Junior Science Laboratory gives students a dedicated space to investigate, experiment, and explore scientific concepts through hands-on learning. Equipped with specialised scientific equipment and dedicated maker space facilities, the laboratory encourages students to test ideas, think creatively, and develop practical skills that bring classroom learning to life.
In Years 5 and 6, students deepen their learning through specialist Science lessons while continuing to apply STEM thinking across their classroom program. Year 5 students participate in three specialist Science lessons each fortnight, alongside integrated STEM experiences that connect learning across different subject areas. This combination allows students to strengthen their scientific understanding while developing the confidence to analyse, innovate, and solve increasingly complex problems.
Building STEM skills through experience
At Korowa, STEM is something students experience, not simply study.
Throughout the year, girls design solutions, conduct investigations, build prototypes, analyse results, and refine their thinking through collaborative projects. Every challenge encourages students to ask questions, test ideas, learn from setbacks, and discover that progress often comes through persistence.
In Term 3, Year 5 students undertake a term-long design and engineering project, giving them extended opportunities to build, experiment, refine their ideas, and apply design thinking to real-world challenges. These experiences develop independence, collaboration, and resilience while encouraging students to approach problems with curiosity and confidence.
STEM beyond the classroom
Throughout the year, students participate in workshops and experiences that connect classroom learning with real-world innovation. Earlier this year, students in the Junior School welcomed Monash University's High Powered Rocketry Team as part of the Korowa Girls' STEM Academy. After hearing from the university students about designing, building, and launching rockets, they applied their own learning by constructing and launching paper rockets, experiencing engineering principles in a fun, hands-on way.
This year, Korowa will also hold its inaugural STEM Festival during National Science Week, where every Junior School student will participate in immersive activities celebrating science, creativity, and innovation. Across the year, girls contribute to whole-school scientific investigations, collecting and analysing data before comparing their findings across year levels. These shared experiences strengthen analytical thinking while showing students how STEM is applied beyond the classroom.
Taking STEM further
As students discover new interests, they also have opportunities to explore them beyond the classroom.
From Year 5, girls can participate in the Korowa Girls' STEM Academy Open Access Activities, with experiences offered throughout the year for Junior and Senior School students. Activities are designed for different year levels, ensuring every student is both supported and appropriately challenged.
Earlier this year, students from Years 5 to 10 participated in a coding challenge through the STEM Academy, while National Science Week will include STEM Academy activities designed specifically for students in Years 5 and 6.
Students can also extend their learning through opportunities including:
• Junior STEM Talent Search
• Junior School STEM Club
• Girls in STEM Challenge, where students in Years 4 to 6 collaborate with students from other schools to solve real-world problems.
Whether students are discovering a new interest or already have a passion for STEM, these opportunities encourage them to challenge themselves, deepen their understanding, and grow in confidence.
Why STEM matters for girls
STEM equips girls with the confidence to tackle unfamiliar challenges, think independently, and contribute ideas with conviction.
At Korowa, students are encouraged to question assumptions, explore different perspectives, collaborate with others, and persevere when something doesn't work the first time. These capabilities extend far beyond science, supporting learning across every subject while preparing girls to embrace future opportunities with confidence.
A STEM pathway that grows with every year
One of the strengths of a Prep to Year 12 education is that learning builds naturally over time.
By the end of Year 6, students have developed strong STEM foundations and are ready to continue their journey through opportunities such as the STEM Racing Primary Program before progressing into the Senior School's broader STEM pathway, including the Korowa Girls' STEM Academy.
Rather than introducing STEM later in a student's education, Korowa nurtures curiosity from the very beginning, ensuring every girl has the opportunity to build confidence, capability, and a genuine love of learning. Because when girls are encouraged to ask questions today, they're prepared to solve tomorrow's challenges.
