Brookman primary school in Western Australia has achieved an important milestone with it being the first school to be inducted into the Hall of Fame for the state’s flagship school science, technology, engineering and mathematics education (STEM) awards.
Science Minister Dave Kelly announced the induction of Brookman primary school after it won the primary school category of the Governor’s school STEM awards for the third years in a year.
Four public schools and one price school received prizes in the 2020 awards, announced at a ceremony at Government House by Governor of Western Australia Kim Beazley.
“I am proud of the school leadership teams recognised for their unique STEM education initiatives which are engaging students and delivering outcomes critical to Western Australia’s technological future,” Beazley said.
Brookman primary school was praised for its ongoing commitment to STEM professional development and extensive mentoring of other schools.
“It’s fantastic to see schools across WA truly embrace a culture that increases student participation in and enthusiasm for STEM,” Kelly said.
Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery added that passionate school leadership makes a difference in getting students excited about STEM inquiry and problem solving.
“I congratulate Brookman primary school for winning the leadership excellence award for the third year running, and for being the first school to be inducted into the Governor’s school STEM awards Hall of Fame,” Ellery said.
In addition, the school, alongside meritorious leadership award winner Andrews College, will participate in the Department of Education’s STEM professional learning and mentoring program, funded under the WA government’s state STEM skills strategy.
Now in its sixth year, the awards recognise outstanding school leadership and teaching in STEM disciplines, which help students develop skills for the future such as critical thinking and problem solving.
Ashdale secondary college took out the top prize in the secondary schools category for exhibiting strong STEM culture among educators, students and leadership teams across all learning areas.
Meritorious leadership awards also went to Sacred Heart primary school and Hampton senior high school.
The awards also add to the McGowan government’s $20 million investment in a range of other initiatives that are aimed at boosting STEM participation in schools.
