STEM Industry School Partnerships

Engage. Inspire. Develop. Cultivate.

Telephone+61 467 899 876

Emailstem@det.nsw.edu.au

Hunter Academy of STEM Excellence

The Hunter Academy of STEM Excellence (HASE) operates in the Hunter region, a dynamic area known for its strong industrial heritage in mining, manufacturing, and energy production. The region is undergoing significant economic transformation, particularly in renewable energy, health, and advanced technology sectors. HASE acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land of the Hunter Valley, the Wonnarua people, and pays respect to their Elders past, present, and emerging.

HASE is committed to preparing students for the region’s evolving workforce by aligning STEM education with key industries, including mining, manufacturing, aviation, and renewable energy. Strong partnerships with industry leaders such as The Aldrin Family Foundation, Boeing, AMP Control, Daracon, and the University of Newcastle provide students with real-world STEM experiences through excursions, work experience, mentorships, and hands-on projects.

HASE develops and delivers high-quality, curriculum-aligned STEM initiatives to enhance student learning and career readiness. Programs integrate real-world applications, design thinking, and digital technologies to foster critical problem-solving skills.

Programs and partnerships include:

•           Stage 5: Aldrin Maps iSTEM Unit – A hands-on program where students explore Mars through robotics and coding, simulating rover missions while learning key engineering and computational thinking skills.

•           Primary STEM Partnership Program – Engages students in mentorship-based STEM challenges to support primary curriculum, fostering collaboration between primary and high school students.

•           Women in STEM Program – Supporting Rutherford Technology High School create a targeted initiative featuring mentorships, industry immersion experiences, and entrepreneurship workshops to support female students in STEM.

•           Hunter NSW Virtual STEM Academy (NSWVSA) Hub – Provides high-potential students with online enrichment courses in a wide variety of STEM based extension courses ensuring equitable access to advanced learning opportunities.

Awards and recognition

•           Letter of Commendation for the Secretary's Award for an Outstanding School Initiative 2024

•           Schools Plus Partnership 2025 Future Shaper

•           Sponsorship Grants for Student Science Engagement and International Competitions 2024

With a strong foundation in industry collaboration, curriculum innovation, and equity-driven programs, HASE continues to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders in the Hunter region.

SHANE DRYDEN

Hunter Academy of STEM Excellence

Contact: Shane.dryden1@det.nsw.edu.au

Shane is an experienced and passionate Science educator that has been a valued member of various schools throughout the Hunter region. Currently serving as the STEM Project Officer, he spearheads the Hunter Academy of STEM Excellence (HASE) based out of Maitland Grossmann High School.  

Since assuming the role of STEM Project Officer in July 2022, Shane has been instrumental in forging strong partnerships with primary and secondary schools, facilitating enriching STEM activities, coordinating STEM engagement days and events, implementing professional development opportunities, providing mentoring opportunities and revising STEM curriculum to align with contemporary industry needs. By also offering and driving targeted programs HASE has generated a large involvement of both female and Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander students in STEM within the region. 

Understanding that true excellence in STEM requires a solid foundation, Shane has actively cultivated relationships with feeder primary schools, to ensure a continuum of STEM education from primary school through high school and beyond. By emphasising the importance of this continuum, Shane aims to increase the aspirations of students to pursue further studies and employment in STEM-related fields.