STEM mentor program launched in Onslow

A program led by Chevron volunteer mentors with a professional background in science, technology, engineering and maths has been launched at Onslow Primary School.

The eight-week series of after-school workshops, led by Scitech and Chevron, has been tailored for students in Years 3-6, with the aim being to prepare students for the future of work by building skills including coding, video game design, digital production and robotics.

With guidance from Scitech and school teaching staff, employees from the Chevron-operated Wheatstone natural gas facility will volunteer their STEM expertise to lead weekly sessions to inspire students to explore their ingenuity and creativity.

Scitech chief executive Kalien Selby said the workshops would bring to life the WA curriculum’s digital technologies learning area in a tactile and exciting way.

“We believe in the power of ‘teaching the teachers’ to enhance meaningful STEM education outcomes and multiply benefits for students, educators and the wider community,” she said.

“We are proud to collaborate with Chevron to deliver the Onslow Digital Technologies Club and advance our shared goal of preparing students for the STEM-enabled opportunities of tomorrow.”

There will be 20 students invited to participate each week, with the program planned to slowly progress to explore electronics, physical computing and developing sophistication around fundamental digital concepts.