Riana A., and fellow Khuda Women in STEM Program students, spoke at this week's school assembly about the many STEM opportunities available at the school.
What does STEM mean to you?
While STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, at Catherine McAuley it represents something far greater, a way of thinking, creating, and solving real-world problems.
This year, STEM continues to grow as a dynamic and engaging part of school life, offering students opportunities to explore their interests, develop new skills, and imagine future pathways.
A Growing STEM Culture
Students across Years 7-10 are engaging in a wide range of STEM experiences through the Khuda Women in STEM Program. These include hands-on workshops, in-school activities, and university-based experiences that connect classroom learning to real-world applications.
Year 7 students will begin their journey with a STEM Festival at the University of Sydney on Wednesday, 24th June 2026, where they will take part in interactive demonstrations, explore campus life, and gain insight into future STEM pathways.
At one of the STEM workshops which ran last year students were given the challenge of making a prosthetic leg.
Year 8 students will participate in Unearthing Science: Digging Deep, with workshops taking place on Friday, 1st May and Friday, 15th May 2026. In these sessions, students investigate soil, climate science, and ecosystems through hands-on experiments and data analysis. Later in the year, they will also explore engineering concepts through activities such as building bionic arms and experimenting with drone technology.
For Years 9 and 10, STEM becomes even more applied, with workshops such as Algebraic Circuits and Probabilistic Computers linking mathematical concepts to technology and real-world problem-solving.
- Year 9 Algebraic Circuits: 11th August and 14th August 2026
- Year 10 Probabilistic Computers: 12th May and 15th May 2026
Later in the year, students will also take part in major events such as Spectacular STEM (17th November) and Grand Challenges (27th November), where they collaborate to develop innovative solutions to global issues.
Beyond the Classroom
STEM at Catherine McAuley extends beyond lessons. Students are participating in initiatives that encourage creativity, collaboration, and real-world impact.
A new CODE Club, led by students in the Khuda program, will soon begin as a weekly Monday lunchtime activity for Year 7 students, providing opportunities to develop coding and digital skills in a supportive and engaging environment.
Events such as STEM Week (18th – 22nd May) will further celebrate innovation and encourage wider student involvement.
STEM at Catherine McAuley goes beyond the classroom, with students engaging in initiatives that foster creativity, collaboration and real-world impact.
Student Voices: What STEM Means to Us
Students across the school describe STEM as more than just subjects, but as a way of understanding and shaping the world.
“STEM to me is science, technology, engineering and maths, but it’s more than just those subjects. It’s about problem solving and understanding how things work in the real world,” shared Vinusha U.
Assistant Technology Leader, Siya P. explained that “STEM represents innovation and progress… it’s about using knowledge to create solutions to real-world problems.”
Others highlighted the opportunities STEM provides. “STEM can be a pathway for many people and creates employment opportunities. It’s not just theory, but applying what we learn in class to real-life situations,” said Navleen A.
Students also emphasised creativity and impact, with one student describing STEM as “exploring ideas and turning them into real solutions that can improve people’s lives,” while another highlighted the importance of “thinking creatively and logically to solve challenges and discover new possibilities.”
Last year Catherine McAuley students won the STEM in Sustainability Award at the 2025 STEM MAD National Showcase.
Why STEM Matters
Teachers also recognise the importance of strengthening STEM opportunities within the school. Increasing access to competitions, projects, and collaborative initiatives can help challenge students and deepen their engagement.
STEM education plays a vital role in preparing students for the future, equipping them with problem-solving skills, curiosity, and the ability to contribute positively to their communities, particularly in addressing real-world challenges such as environmental and global issues.
Looking Ahead
With a growing number of programs, events, and student-led initiatives, STEM at Catherine McAuley continues to evolve and inspire.
This is just the beginning. Throughout the year, we look forward to sharing more stories, achievements, and highlights from STEM across our school community.
Because STEM isn’t just something we learn,
it’s something we experience, create, and use to shape the future.
Riana Arredondo | Year 11 student and participant in the Khuda Women in STEM Program
Catherine McAuley Westmead
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