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STEM Programs at Pakenham Secondary
Problem solving. Innovation. Future-focused learning.
At Pakenham Secondary College, our STEM program provides students with opportunities to develop their skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics through practical, hands-on learning.
STEM at the College is designed for students who are curious about how things work, enjoy solving problems, and want to apply their learning in real-world contexts. Across Year 7–10, students build skills in critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, digital literacy and communication, preparing them for a wide range of senior studies and future pathways.
Find out more
Innovative Learning
Partnering with the University of Melbourne
We are proud to partner with the University of Melbourne, providing our students with unique, hands-on learning experiences. This year alone, 13 of our female students are undertaking STEM work experience through this partnership - building confidence, skills and future pathways in STEM careers.
Our students also benefit from mentoring through the Into Science program, connecting them with university students who inspire and guide their STEM journeys.
Cutting Edge Technology
At Pakenham Secondary College, STEM is hands-on, creative and full of exciting opportunities for students to explore, experiment and innovate.
Through our partnership with Casey Tech School, students work with specialist equipment including advanced 3D microscopes and interactive sustainable housing and climate design models.
Students also have access to exciting technology at the College, including:
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Two 3D printers for designing and creating prototypes
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A fleet of drones for coding, engineering & exploration
All Year 8 students experience this cutting-edge technology as part of their learning.
Hands on STEM Experiences
Our STEM programs encourage curiosity, creativity and problem-solving through engaging real-world experiences, including:
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A popular STEM Club featuring activities such as elephant toothpaste experiments and stress ball design
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A Year 9 STEAM elective combining science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics
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Participation in the CSIRO CREST Program, where students design and investigate their own scientific projects
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The Scientists in Schools program, connecting Year 9 Enhanced students with real scientists
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Celebrating Science
Science is celebrated throughout the year at the College.
Our annual Science Showcase in September allows students to lead exciting interactive experiments for the wider community, while National Science Week in August brings fun lunchtime and recess STEM activities for all students to enjoy.
STEM Learning across the College
STEM is embedded across multiple subjects and year levels, giving students a broad range of opportunities to explore their interests.
In Years 7 and 8, students develop foundational skills through Science, Mathematics and Digital Technologies, including coding, programming and introductory design thinking. Students also have access to enrichment experiences such as robotics, coding projects and hands-on STEM challenges.
In Years 9 and 10, students can choose from a range of STEM-focused electives that connect directly to real-world applications, including:
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Biology and Psychology (Human Biology, health and behaviour science)
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STEAM Explorations (interdisciplinary problem solving and innovation)
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Sport Science (biomechanics, physiology and performance)
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Science of Food (nutrition, food systems and sustainability)
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Science of Crime (forensics, psychology and investigation)
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Digital Technologies (coding, data, AI, design thinking and 3D printing)
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Engineering and Mathematics electives focused on real-world applications
These subjects provide strong pathways into senior Science, Mathematics, Technology and Applied Computing studies.
For detailed course descriptions, please refer to the Pakenham Secondary College Curriculum Handbook.
Senior STEM Pathways (VCE)
Students interested in STEM can continue their studies through a wide range of VCE subjects, including:
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Physics
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Psychology
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Mathematical Methods
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Specialist Mathematics
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General Mathematics
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Applied Computing (Data Analytics & Software Development)
These subjects support pathways into areas such as:
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Health and Medical Sciences (medicine, nursing, psychology, biotechnology)
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Engineering and Built Environment (civil, mechanical, architecture, energy systems)
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Technology and Data (AI, cyber security, software development, analytics)
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Science and Environment (research, conservation, forensics, environmental science)
Why STEM at Pakenham Secondary College?
Our STEM program is designed to give students meaningful, practical learning experiences that develop skills for the future. Across all year levels, students are encouraged to:
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Solve real-world problems
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Work collaboratively
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Think critically and creatively
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Develop digital and technical skills
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Apply learning in practical contexts
STEM at the College is about building capability, curiosity and confidence in an increasingly technology-driven world.