Thursday, August 28, 2025

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Ayr State High School: Regional School, World-Class STEM Opportunities

Ayr State High School continues to excel in STEM education, with students actively engaging in a wide range of opportunities that showcase their skills, creativity, and passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Students proudly represented the school in the Australian Mathematics Competition, the ICAS Science Competition, and the International Chemistry Quiz, demonstrating their problem-solving abilities and critical thinking. Four Year 10 students further extended their learning at a three-day maths camp on Magnetic Island, collaborating with peers from across the region. National Science Week was another highlight, with STEM Ambassador Bella Lawry leading engaging activities such as science trivia, hands-on experiments, and a creative chocolate biscuit periodic table. Together with past STEM ambassadors Melody Curro and Caitlyn Cheyne, Bella also worked with primary school students from East Ayr State School, sparking curiosity and excitement for STEM in younger learners.

Past STEM Ambassador Caitlyn Cheyne was selected to take part in the highly competitive SPARQ-ed (Students Performing Advanced Research Queensland – Education) program in Brisbane. This unique biomedical research program is delivered through a collaboration between the Department of Education and the Translational Research Institute (TRI), giving students the rare opportunity to work alongside world-class scientists on cutting-edge projects. School Captain Sophie Robertson also achieved remarkable success, earning the prestigious Peter Doherty Outstanding Senior STEM Student Award, recognising her as one of the state’s most exceptional young scientists. In addition, Sophie was selected as one of only ninety students worldwide to attend the International Science School, joining 45 students from Australia and 45 from countries including China, the UK, and New Zealand - a once-in-a-lifetime experience that places her on the global stage of STEM excellence.

Mr Rob Scalia, Head of Department – Mathematics and Science said, “These outstanding successes strongly reinforce that small regional state schools, like Ayr High, are indeed great schools - providing outstanding opportunities and producing exceptional outcomes for students”.

Sophie Robertson – Peter Doherty Outstanding Senior STEM Student Award

Caitlyn Cheyne – SPARQ-ed Program (Students Performing Advanced Research Queensland – Education)

Chloe Hook and Bella Lawry (STEM ambassador) – National Science Week

STEM Ambassadors with experienced Yr 12 Chemistry, Physics and Biology Teachers
Mr Rob Scalia, Melody Curro, Bella Lawry, Mrs Claire Brock, Caitlyn Cheyne, Sophie Robertson and Mrs Maree Holmes

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