Science has become a high profile subject at Hillsmeade with the recent announcement by the Australian Government regarding high-quality school science and mathematics education. There has been a push to implement new initiatives aimed at increasing the focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects in primary and secondary schools. In line with this new focus, Hillsmeade Primary School has implemented weekly science lessons across Prep to Six exploring the fields of biological, chemical, earth & space and physical science with students learning to observe, investigate, analyse, reason, question and seek solutions. Science and STEM subjects are critically important for Australia’s current and future productivity, as well as for informed personal decision making and effective community, national and global citizenship.
For most people, primary school is the place where early interest in science begins or ends. A student that doesn’t engage with science learning early on is unlikely to continue the subject in high school and into university. At Hillsmeade our students are gaining a good grounding in science and related inquiry skills though our newly implemented Science program. In these early years of science, the focus is on curiosity and immersion in what science is.
Our Science Expo invites members of our school community to create a ‘Family Entry’ and take part in a fantastic night of science experiments and demonstrations in our hall. Each class showcases their own learning that has happened throughout the year. This night is always well attended and is a highlight of our school calendar.
As a school we have developed a strong relationship with Monash University and Alkira Secondary College. These relationships benefit our students by exposing our students to a range of exciting science activities planned and run by Monash University students throughout the year. We have also implemented a Science transition program where our Grade 6 students are offered the opportunity to visit Alkira and ease the transition to secondary college through a shared interest in Science.