School hopes to help ‘innovators’ of future

EAST Derwent Primary School is going full STEAM ahead, after it was announced as the Tasmanian winner of the inaugural OfficeMax Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths Grants Program.

Among more than 600 entries nationwide, East Derwent Primary bagged $2500 to go towards improving the school’s STEAM program.

East Derwent STEAM teacher Nicholas Clifford said the funding would go a long way for the Bridgewater school.

“With a grant like this, it provides an exciting opportunity for us to improve our equipment,” he said.

“We’re trying to get the children to be the innovators of the next generation, so gaining this support will be greatly beneficial.”

Grade 5 student Claire Cooley said: “I’m hoping the grant will allow the school to provide us with things we can build with, and more painting materials.”

Each winning school will also receive a STEAM starter kit equipped with essential products to drive STEAM learning.

OfficeMax education marketing manager Anu Jose said the program aimed to raise the profile of STEAM learning.

“The whole point of the program is about getting students interested in school and STEAM so they then want to study relevant courses at university,” Ms Jose said.

“We believe the jobs of the future are in STEAM.”