Based at Crookwell High School on Gundangurra land, CASE supports STEM learning across schools in the Upper Lachlan, Wingecarribee, Goulburn Mulwaree, Hilltops, and Yass Valley regions. Partnering with local libraries, preschools, and industry, CASE promotes STEM across all learning areas.
Focusing on Renewable Energy, Waste Management, Manufacturing, and AgriTech, CASE aligns with regional industry needs. Collaborations with Australian Agriculture Centre, Gullen Range Wind & Solar Farm, and BJCE Australia connect students to real-world applications in precision farming, sustainability, and energy innovation.
Serving over 6 high schools, 18 primary schools, and 2 early learning centres, CASE provides over 42 industry engagement opportunities annually, equipping students with essential skills for STEM careers and higher education pathways.
Programs and partnerships include:
- Astro Ag Program: A partnership with the Australian Agriculture Centre, integrating space science and agriculture to engage students in precision farming, technology, and sustainability through hands-on industry experiences.
- Wind Farm Experiences: Collaborations with renewable energy companies provide students with insights into wind energy, engineering, and sustainability through site visits, expert talks, and practical STEM activities.
- Shared Learning Hubs: STEM hubs offer advanced technology, industry-led workshops, and collaborative projects, ensuring equitable learning opportunities for rural and remote schools.
- Cross-Curricular & All Education Levels: STEM is embedded from early learning to vocational training, with curriculum-aligned programs across all subjects to foster engagement and STEM literacy.
- Virtual STEM Academy: CASE partners with the NSW Virtual STEM Academy to provide online programs and remote mentoring, ensuring rural students can access expert guidance and diverse STEM pathways.
- Career Pathways: Industry partnerships support career education and experience days, aligning student interests with regional job opportunities in STEM fields.
Building teacher STEM capacity is a major focus. CASE focuses on improving teachers’ confidence and ability to embed technology and the STEM design thinking process into their curriculum. Regular professional learning is provided to staff within the program coordinated by our STEM Project Officer. Through the delivery of interactive professional development, joint program planning with Industry participation, and providing equipment and resources, CASE is greatly improving the delivery of STEM learning within our region.
Awards and Recognition
- Australia Day Award for Community Event of the Year – Solar Buddy and Anti-Bullying Event – 2024
- Australia Day Award for Community Event of the Year – Grow Your Own Future – Career Education and Showcase - 2025
- 2024 NSW Banksia Foundation – Winner – Primary Industries and Regional Development Award for the ‘Astro Ag’ Program created and developed in partnership with the Australian Agriculture Centre
