According to research conducted by Engineers Australia, there is a concerning decline in the enrolment of secondary students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects. This trend poses a significant risk to the nation's ability to transition to a knowledge-based job economy.

The  (published by report emphasises the urgent need for government investment in an engineering pipeline strategy to reverse the decline in STEM and engineering enrolments in tertiary education. The report's findings reveal alarming statistics, such as fewer than 6% of girls nationwide choosing to study Physics in Year 12. Additionally, the numbers for Advanced Mathematics are equally concerning, with only 6.2% of girls and 11.5% of boys participating.

Chris Stoltz, the jobs spokesman for Engineers Australia, has highlighted these figures as a wake-up call that demands immediate attention. He comments: "Australia faces enormous challenges as it transitions from a resources-based economy to a diverse, innovative and technologically based one. The skills required to create and find work in this new economy will be significantly . Alarmingly, our research shows fewer and fewer young people are studying the Advanced Science and Maths subjects needed for these types of jobs – Engineering is a case in point."

STEM at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥

Year 7 students at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ are gaining a distinct advantage in their STEM education – in this case, programming Edison Robots using Python. While it is common for schools to limit Edison robots to simply using basic barcodes to program Edisons and use block-based programming like Scratch, Suncoast students are immersed in a more profound and dynamic STEM learning experience.

STEM... Challenge Accepted!

At Suncoast, students are mastering Python to program Edison robots, equipping them with valuable skills and fostering creativity and problem-solving abilities. This hands-on approach ensures that our students are better prepared for the challenges of a rapidly evolving technological landscape, setting them apart in their educational journey. We accept Mr Stoltz's challenge for Australia to build the nation's capability to adapt to the change.

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Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ Year 6 student, Diwansha Kumara has been selected for the Queensland Table Tennis Junior Team to compete at the Australian National Table Tennis Championships 2023 in Sydney Olympic Park Stadium. 

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Our crew of 50+ students and staff returned from the Annual Outback Mission with incredible experiences, stories, community connections... plus some great images.

About the Mission

During the recent Term 1 holiday, 50-plus students and staff journeyed to the Outback, serving on several remote properties in Western Queensland. Joining for two weeks and serving folks on remote stations. The team did an exceptional job connecting with different properties and engaging in various tasks such as fencing, handling stock, yard work, machinery work, painting and general duties.

The students worked tirelessly with a great attitude and sense of humour, creating unforgettable memories and gaining a deep respect for those living in the Australian Outback. The Outback Mission provides students with physical and emotional challenges that greatly assist in developing their faith, character and learning. This is mainly evident in the relationships that students that are formed between the farming families and their Suncoast coastal cousins.

Inspired by the words of  Matthew 20:28: "..just the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." 

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Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ hosted First Lego League on Saturday 29^th October.  We were joined by over 130 students from several South East Queensland schools, for what was a cosmopolitan, creative and competitive atmosphere.

Among the visiting schools at the Regional event were; Morayfield State High School, Brighton State School, Baringa State Primary School, Peachester State School, Taabinga State School, Dayboro State School, Peregian Springs State School, St Andrew's Anglican College, Talara Primary College, Wamuran State School, and Beachmere State School. They all enjoyed our venues and facilities. The Taylor Centre looked amazing!

Suncoast Advances to Nationals

Our incredible Year 6 team won the Core Values Award! They also advance to the National Championships! Well done, Jaydin, Jorja, Maddie, Tori, Josiah, and Rylan.

Special thanks go to Dan Ray who was the Head Referee. In addition, we appreciated the support of Kerrie Stewart, Lochlan Farr, Sharon Kohncke, Mark Beard, Georgi Saunders, Kyra Lombard, Robyn Reeves, Brian Slabbert, Kathleen Brown, Jayden Jongebreur, Elizabeth Blythe, Belinda Brien, Phil Rockliff, and Janet Gorsh. Exceptional help was provided by Aaron, Ashley, Melanie, and Patrice.

Suncoast students Aidan Brewster, Tristan Clasohm, Cael Brien, Rohan Brabant, Keenan Brabant, Stella King, and Ezra King provided assistance in various capacities. Jason Brabant worked tirelessly as Head Judge for the tournament. Year 6 teachers did marvellous work managing the BBQ and Canteen for competitors, coaches, and spectators. More than twenty volunteers were recruited from other schools. It was a fantastic community event!

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