Established in 2023 the Lower Baaka Academy of STEM Excellence (LBASE) is based on Barkindji Country at Coomealla High School, where the Murray River meets the Darling River (Baaka). Being located in Far West NSW, the LBASE aims to deliver quality and equitable STEM enrichment opportunities to students from rural and remote schools.
With over 50% of students in the LBASE identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, LBASE has a particular focus on embedding Aboriginal perspectives and pedagogy using the STEM process.
The academy aims to deepen community partnerships, with LBASE partnering 10 schools, delivering STEM professional development to over 450 teachers from across NSW. With STEM enrichment programs and cross-curricula opportunities providing students with an array of STEM pathways, when thinking about their future careers, for both primary and secondary schools.
These programs along with the other engagement opportunities have resulted in over 2,000 student interactions with excursions/incursions and mentoring programs, as well as increased attendance and engagement in technology and STEM electives.
Programs and partnerships include:
- Engineers Without Borders: Partnering with Sydney University, a ten-week program was delivered to students from the Coomealla Support Unit in 2024. This resulted in 10 Aboriginal students creating and presenting innovations to combat natural disasters.
- Stage 4 - The Orbispace Initiative: 12 female students have travelled for free to Sydney (Over 1,000kms away) to participate in the girls in STEM program. This course was taught over a Semester, with students creating a business pitch combatting a global issue to present to peers across NSW.
- Stage 5 - Lower Baaka Leaders: This initiative aimed to support students in the transition from primary to high school. Stage 5 students from Coomealla High School were trained by Ellen Macdonald to teach primary students a range of STEM experiments. The group travelled to local primary schools mentoring the Stage 2 and 3 students.
The Lower Baaka Academy of STEM has been recognised in local media outlets, and Department of Education’s Murat Dizdar’s social media for the engaging and innovative programs that are being offered to students in Far West NSW.
