Two leading Queensland private schools – Suncoast Christian College (SCC) and Heights College – have formed an exciting new partnership to enhance the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education of hundreds of students.
The collaboration was formalised during a recent visit by Heights College representatives to SCC’s newly opened Primary Precinct. The schools aim to promote educational innovation through resource sharing and joint curriculum development.
A key feature of the initiative is sharing advanced STEM technologies, including EV3 robots, Sphero SPRK+, and Edison V2 devices. These cutting-edge tools, which are often expensive for individual schools to acquire, can now be borrowed by Heights College, allowing its students to experiment and learn without significant financial investment.
Adam King, SCC’s Head of Emerging Technologies, emphasised the importance of collaboration in keeping pace with the rapidly evolving STEM landscape. “By sharing resources and curriculum insights, we’re creating opportunities for mutual learning and technological advancement,” King explained.
Beyond technology sharing, the partnership extends to joint curriculum planning and documentation, enabling Heights College to develop a tailored STEM program to meet the specific needs of its students.
“We’re creating a practical, sustainable model that supports educational innovation,” King said.
Teachers at Queensland private schools – Suncoast Christian College and Heights College – collaborating on STEM innovation
STEM innovation at Suncoast Christian College
The meeting between the two Queensland private schools took place in SCC’s innovative Primary Precinct, designed by m3architecture. The award-winning facility recently received recognition as a joint category winner at the 2024 Learning Environments Queensland Chapter Awards for its forward-thinking design.
The space supports SCC’s collaborative teaching model with flexible, open-plan learning areas, natural light, and specialised creative hubs such as maker spaces. The design encourages teamwork, hands-on learning, and adaptability in the classroom.
Acting Deputy Head of Suncoast Primary, Liana Simpson, highlighted the benefits of sharing resources and knowledge. “These technologies are most valuable when actively used, driving innovation across our educational community,” Simpson said.
Both schools see the partnership as an opportunity to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers by creating enriched learning environments and fostering meaningful collaboration.
Suncoast Christian College, a Prep to Year 12 co-educational Christian school located in Woombye on the Sunshine Coast, has been serving families since 1979. With a strong focus on community and academic excellence, the school is dedicated to nurturing each child’s unique educational journey.
Through initiatives like this STEM partnership, Suncoast Christian College continues to demonstrate its commitment to equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.
This forward-thinking collaboration between SCC and Heights College highlights how resource sharing and teamwork can drive educational advancements and prepare students for a future in which innovation is key.
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