Established in 2021, the Coastal Academy of STEM Excellence (CASE) is located on Bundjalung Country, serving the Kingscliff area and the wider Coastal Learning Community (CLC) in the Far North Coast of NSW. Based at Kingscliff High School, CASE works closely with six local primary schools, supporting students and teachers with innovative STEM learning experiences that connect with real-world applications.
CASE fosters a culture of creativity and hands-on learning, embedding the STEM design process and problem-based learning into classrooms across the CLC. The academy has strong partnerships with local industry, government, community organisations and further education providers, including Tweed Shire Council, Southern Cross University and Griffith University. Th High School is also situated next to the Kingscliff TAFE, providing opportunities for vocational pathways. CASE supports senior students to explore both vocational training and ATAR pathways, by engaging industry and community partners in learning and events. The Academy also collaborates with Tweed 5 high schools, expanding professional development and STEM engagement across local high schools in the region.
With a growing emphasis on sustainability, construction, agriculture, and health sciences, CASE reflects the Northern Rivers’ evolving industries, including the new Tweed Hospital and Kings Forest development. Its location near the Queensland border provides unique access to interstate STEM collaborations with universities and industry leaders. Since its launch, CASE has significantly increased teacher capacity, student participation, transition opportunities and industry engagement, strengthening STEM pathways from K–12.
Programs and partnerships include:
- Stage 3/4 Academy-wide STEM learning cycle– our 7 schools facilitate common STEM curriculum learning via the CASE 2-year cycle, culminating in two events each year where students present projects in a competitive environment. These learning events include:
- Eye on the Future Challenge: renewable energy in transport
- Maker Fair: sustainable materials in a circular economy
- One Earth, One Future Challenge: local sustainability solutions
- STEM Mini Olympiad: Level 1 hands-on STEM Space themed activities
- Citizen Science Program – students collect water and microplastic samples twice a year, analyse data and send to AUSMAP and NSW Waterwatch.
- STEM Excellence Program – selected Year 6 students attend STEM regular sessions in the Kingscliff High Makerspace, being mentored by older students.
- Girls in STEM – each year CASE facilitates girls workshops for 60 girls with the Academy for Enterprising Girls. In 2025 we will run the First Nations Girls in STEM program, empowering young to create innovative solutions that deepen their connection to culture, community, and country.
- Teacher PL – CASE facilitates two professional development opportunities each year. In 2025 we have 7 teachers attending the Sydney University STEM Enrichment Academy.
- Entrepreneurial Education – CASE regularly collaborates with Young Change Agents and Tweed Shire Council to provide authentic local problem-solving opportunities. 2024 included a collaboration with Social Enterprise Schools, resulting in 180 Stage 2 students creating a trading business for a social cause.
Awards, recognition and grants
The Coastal Academy of STEM Excellence has been recognised in local media outlets for the engaging and innovative programs that are being offered to students on the Far North Coast.
- 2025 – recipient of First Nations Girls in STEM funding via Academy for Enterprising Girls.
- 2024 - recipient of the Social Enterprise Schools grant
