The science labs at Lindfield Learning Village , on Durramurragal land, have been buzzing with excitement as young innovators from three local schools joined forces for Full STEM Ahead!, an enrichment program designed to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Created by Lindfield Learning Village (LLV) Head Teachers Melanie Tan (Science) and Krish Manoharan (Mathematics), the program brought together high-potential and gifted Year 5 students from Lindfield Learning Village, Lindfield Public School and Beaumont Road Public School every Wednesday morning for the past five weeks.

The program challenged students to explore the forces, data, and design principles behind flight and rocket engineering, and gave LLV secondary teachers the opportunity to experience how primary students collaborate, help each other and problem solve.

Working collaboratively, participants designed and launched straw rockets, tested variables such as shape and material, and analysed their results using digital tools and spreadsheets.

The final session of Full STEM Ahead! drew a proud audience of parents and principals, including Lindfield Public School’s Megan Lockery and Beaumont Road Public School’s Jacqui Coles, who gathered to celebrate the students’ achievements and present certificates and micro-credentials.

Piper, a Year 5 student from LLV, said she loved interacting with students from other schools and diving deeper into science.

Olivia, from Lindfield Public School, said she learnt about independent, dependent, and controlled variables and enjoyed collaborating to design her team’s rocket.

Principal Ben Rekic said the initiative exemplified LLV’s commitment to both collaboration and high-quality, explicit teaching.

“This program not only provides structured extension for gifted learners, but also strengthens our partnerships with neighbouring schools and builds a sense of community through shared learning,” he said.

With its mix of curiosity, creativity, and camaraderie, Full STEM Ahead! has truly lived up to its name — proving that when young minds aim high, the sky is just the beginning.