With parent-powered robotics and a thriving STEM program, Sunshine Beach State School is nurturing the next generation of curious, future-ready thinkers.
STEM education has shifted from a supplementary topic to a core part of any classroom experience. And at schools such as Sunshine Beach State School, it’s tangible, vibrant and integrated in daily learning. From design thinking to real-world projects in their thriving permaculture garden, students at this Noosa school aren’t just hearing about future pathways; they’re building and discovering them firsthand.
And now, a new robotics program is adding yet another exciting layer to the school’s already rich STEM program. One that’s tapping into student passion, drawing on extraordinary community expertise, and opening up fresh opportunities for curious young thinkers.
The program was born from collaboration with families, following consultation with the school community about future priorities. “A big thing from our community was STEM,” Principal Elise Maguire explains. “We were already strong in science, technology and maths through the Australian Curriculum, but robotics sits slightly outside that — it’s not a given in primary schools. So we partnered with our P&C to bring something special to life.”
Within the school community were three highly skilled parents who were happy to volunteer their time to start the Sunshine Beach Robotics Club. Jason Pelecanos was a speech researcher and engineer for Google, Marilyn Pelecanos was a program director for IBM, and Lawrence Reid was a software engineer and CIO for a Swiss telecommunications firm.
“They’re incredibly knowledgeable and so passionate, and they’re generously volunteering their time to make this happen. We feel fortunate, said Elise.”
Students with P&C volunteer at Sunshine Beach State School’s robotics and STEM program
The next generation of thinkers starts here
Sunshine Beach’s robotics program is currently offered to high-performing Year 5 students. The goal is to extend the program into Year 6 and build a peer-leadership model in which experienced students mentor the next group coming through.
The club started as a single lunchtime session and quickly doubled to two due to overwhelming enthusiasm. “We haven’t had any issues with engagement,” Elise says. “The only problem is convincing them to pack up when lunchtime ends!”
Students work with LEGO Spike Prime robotics kits, building robots from scratch and coding them to complete complex tasks. They’re already tackling advanced challenge boards, solving problems like using sensors to collect ‘treasures’ and transport them to specific locations. And in just seven weeks, they’re ready to showcase their work.
“It’s not just about the robotics itself,” says Clair Allan, Head of Department – Curriculum at Sunshine Beach State School. “It’s critical skills they’re developing: teamwork, problem-solving, creativity, collaboration. All genders are participating, which we love, because getting girls engaged in STEM is so important given their limited representation historically.”
Looking ahead, the school intends to enter students into competitive leagues such as First LEGO League and RoboCup Junior. “The sky’s the limit,” Elise says. “We’re very excited to see where the program can go.”
The Sunshine Beach robotics program is run by parent volunteers
A whole-school approach to excellence
While robotics sits within the school’s suite of academic excellence programs, Elise is quick to emphasise that every child at Sunshine Beach is supported and challenged.
“It’s really important parents know that all students are catered for in their classroom every day,” she explains. “Our extension programs don’t replace that; they sit on top to further stretch learners who need different kinds of challenge.”
The school’s gifted and talented program runs from Year 1 to 6 and focuses on English and maths, higher-order thinking skills, and the development of students’ ability to articulate their ideas, collaborate, and solve complex problems. Rather than pushing children up through more advanced curriculum content, teachers extend them horizontally — building general capabilities and critical thinking skills aligned to the Australian Curriculum.
“It’s not just extra work,” Clair clarifies. “It’s teaching students how to think in different ways. And importantly, it gives them opportunities to connect with like-minded peers. With four or five classes in a year level, you don’t always find your ‘people’ in your own room. Robotics, extension programs, instrumental music, all of these give students a sense of belonging.”
That sense of connection continues into the transition to high school, with Sunshine Beach State School forging strong ties with the well-respected high school. Italian, instrumental music, and academic partnerships via the CREST program give students a smoother pathway into subjects they may pursue for years to come.
Students at Sunshine Beach State School testing their robot
A living, growing learning space
While robotics might be the newest focus on contemporary education, STEM at Sunshine Beach isn’t limited to screens, sensors and coding. One of the school’s most-loved features is its permaculture garden — a hands-on outdoor learning space used by every year level.
Students work with educators in a natural environment on projects that are woven directly into the curriculum.
“They’re not creating projects in isolation,” Elise explains. “They’re in the garden, using real materials, problem-solving in real time, working together. Again, it’s about the skills — creativity, curiosity, critical thinking.”
The garden also reinforces the school’s broader philosophy: building lifelong learners who are engaged with the world around them.
“Our kids are clever,” Elise says. “The content doesn’t tend to be the challenge. Our mission is to develop curious, creative thinkers who are ready for the future.”
A collaboration creating future-ready kids
What stands out most is how deeply collaboration and community are at the heart of future skills at Sunshine Beach.
We’re building 21st-century thinkers — future team players who will go out into society with confidence, capability and curiosity.”
And if the current robotics students are anything to go by, children happily forfeiting lunchtime playtime for coding challenges and robot battles, that future is looking bright.
“At the end of the day,” Elise says, “we’re setting kids up for success. That’s what matters most.”
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