The Rivers Academy of STEM Excellence is on Bundjalung Country in the Northern Rivers region of NSW and includes three high schools and twelve primary schools.
The Northern Rivers region is traditionally known for rural industries, tourism and alternative lifestyles. Currently the area is experiencing rapid growth in retail, building and construction, tourism and hospitality. Employment in the health, education and community services sectors is growing, including opportunities for highly-skilled professionals.
Programs and partnerships include:
RASE has formed industry partnerships with local companies, which has seen them being involved in various projects in schools.
- Teacher professional development through collaborative planning to write innovative and engaging cross-curriculum units of work. This includes targeted professional learning for teachers to effectively embed associated technology into their lessons.
- Academy-wide STEM competition – each year, on a two-year rotation, primary schools and high schools come together to compete in the Bottle Rocket Challenge or Solar RASE (solar car challenge). This competition is the culmination of term-long units of work in our schools.
- Southern Cross University Partnership – developing opportunities for students to engage in real-world projects by accessing work being conducted at SCU by incorporating them into Student Research Projects and offering extra-curricular activities.
- Young Women in STEM program – provides female students with the opportunity to be involved in programs and workshops with female STEM mentors to solve local and meaningful problems, leading to an increased understanding of opportunities that are available in STEM industries.
RASE has a strong focus on building teacher confidence and capacity to embed the STEM design thinking process into their practice through teaching and learning programs, and authentic projects. Through the delivery of professional development, joint planning and co-teaching opportunities, RASE is having a positive impact on improving the STEM capability and aspiration of students.
RASE aims to “STEM the divide” that is experienced by students from disadvantaged backgrounds by enhancing opportunities and providing financial support for students to participate in those activities.
Awards, recognition and grants
- This has been recognised by the continuation of a one-year Schools Plus grant into a second and third year.
- The success of RASE has also been recognised through a Secretary’s Commendation for School Achievement in 2021
- Secretary’s Award for Outstanding School Initiative in 2022 and 2024.
