About the virtual academy

NSW Virtual STEM Academy is part of the STEM Industry School Partnerships (SISP) program, which is an initiative of STEM Enrichment.

The NSWVSA is based at Griffith High School and is coordinated by the Murrumbidgee Academy of STEM Excellence (MASE).

The academy supports a growing network of schools across NSW. It connects students through innovative online learning so that students from anywhere in NSW can access enriching STEM experiences.

Students learn through explicit teaching and inquiry-based approaches. They:

• explore real-world challenges
• engage with emerging research
• build the knowledge and skills for future STEM pathways.

The academy runs through a network of virtual STEM academies. There are studios across NSW, including:

• Griffith: Murrumbidgee Academy of STEM Excellence
• Lismore: Rivers Academy of STEM Excellence
• the Illawarra: Illawarra Academy of STEM Excellence
• Crookwell: Crookwell Academy of STEM Excellence
• the Hunter: Hunter Academy of STEM Excellence
• Central Coast: Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre.

This network supports collaboration between schools, industry, universities and research partners.

Student experience

Students take part in a wide range of STEM courses. These include:

• coding, electronics and engineering (including Arduino and Micro:bit programs)
• data science, forensic science, biology and chemistry
• sustainability and environmental science
• Aboriginal perspectives, including Indigenous seasonal knowledge.

Many courses focus on solving real-world problems. They include challenges linked to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Course types

Students can take part in three course types:

• Skill Builders – build deep knowledge and practical STEM skills.
• Grand Challenges – apply learning to real-world problems.
• Challenge your thinking – connect with industry experts and researchers.

Courses run throughout the year. They are delivered through a dedicated online platform. Students can connect, collaborate and learn together.

Equity and access

The academy aims to improve access and participation in STEM. It focuses on:

• supporting students from regional, rural, and remote communities
• increasing engagement among girls
• increasing participation among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

A connected learning community

Students across NSW work together. They engage with leading industry, university and research partners. This creates a learning community built on curiosity, creativity and innovation.