When many people think of STEM, they might picture a few bunsen burners in a science lab, but at Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS), we really turn up the heat when it comes to innovation.
From ocean floors to robotics arenas and chemistry competitions, SCS students tackle real-world challenges with creativity, curiosity, and cutting-edge skills.
Through hands-on learning and innovative programs, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) comes alive across the system, equipping today’s learners for tomorrow’s opportunities.
Bringing STEM to life across land and sea
At Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College (OLSH) Kensington, students step beyond the classroom and dive into Sydney Harbour through their Marine Studies course. Rather than just reading about reefs and marine ecosystems, they set sail on wind-powered vessels, feeling the breeze and waves firsthand.
This immersive experience deepens their grasp of forces shaping marine life, from wind dynamics to buoyancy, mirroring physics concepts behind coral reefs.
“Sailing allows students to feel the force of the wind, see lift in action, and understand stability through movement, making physics not just understandable, but unforgettable,” says Daniel Levitt, Director of Entrepreneurship, Learning Pathways and Partnerships at OLSH.
Navigating shifting winds, students apply lessons in fluid dynamics and marine safety, sharpening critical thinking and teamwork. For many, this first journey on a wind-powered vessel sparks a deeper connection with the environment and commitment to protecting Australia’s fragile reef ecosystems.

Robotics, coding and competition
At St Anne’s Catholic Primary School Strathfield South, Year 2 and Year 3 students immerse themselves in coding and robotics through the Dash Robots program. Working in teams, they tackle complex challenges that demand problem-solving, mathematical reasoning, and clear communication.
For Year 4 students, the ‘Lego Spike Prime’ program integrates seamlessly with St Anne’s broader curriculum, offering opportunities to compete at a high level; most recently, students placed 4th out of 43 schools at last year’s NSW Robocup competition.
“These challenges push students to persevere when things don’t go to plan, building resilience as they collaborate to find solutions,” explains Lachlan Hoban, Year 4 teacher at St Anne’s.
Beyond technical skills, these activities nurture teamwork and investigative thinking. Programming robots to perform precise movements brings STEM concepts vividly to life.
Combining play, persistence, and practical learning, the robotics program equips students with essential skills for school and beyond.

Precision, problem-solving and chemistry in action
At Mount St Joseph (MSJ) Milperra, the Chemistry program blends rigorous theory with practical experiments like titration (laboratory method of chemical analysis), building precise measurement and critical thinking skills.
“Through titration, students learn to prepare apparatus accurately, measure with precision, analyse results critically, and troubleshoot challenges,” says Madeline Muscat, Science Teacher at MSJ.
MSJ students compete in the prestigious RACI Titration Competition, where the school has previously won first place, highlighting their strong science program and commitment to excellence.
The program fosters transferable STEM skills such as data interpretation, problem-solving, and communication, giving students a strong head start in university labs. Competition success also boosts confidence and inspires STEM career aspirations.
“Many say these events confirmed their desire to pursue science, engineering, or health,” says Madeline.
Alumni mentorship further strengthens this pathway, preparing students for future STEM opportunities with confidence.
Across SCS, vibrant STEM programs, whether on water, in robotics labs, or in the classroom and beyond, are nurturing not just knowledge and skills but confidence, creativity, and a lifelong passion for learning.
Through authentic, hands-on experiences, SCS equips students with curiosity, resilience, and problem-solving ability to thrive as adaptable thinkers in a rapidly changing world.