In 2016 the Queensland Government launched Advancing Education: An action plan for education in Queensland. A key focus of the plan was the enhancement and development of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.

The QLD Virtual STEM Academy (QVSA) is a network site hosted within select Queensland state schools and coordinated via the Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology (QASMT), Queensland’s premier STEM specialist school. The QVSA at QASMT delivers courses for the Darling Downs and North Coast regions and works closely with Solid Pathways Project to provide a focus on STEM across their proven initiatives. Across North Queensland, the Global Tropics Futures Project hosted at Thuringowa State High School coordinates the delivery of courses for students supported through their relationship with James Cook University. For students in central Queensland (CQ), QVSA at CQ is hosted at Rockhampton State High School providing access to courses supported through their relationship with Central Queensland University.

About Glenn Beaumont

Deputy Principal, Queensland Virtual STEM Academy. Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology.

Glenn has taught across the primary and secondary sector in metropolitan, regional and distance education settings.  Roles in these schools have included teacher, Science and Technology Head of Department and both Deputy and Principal of Middle years. He has pursued his passion for STEM, from his original Science degree through post-graduate qualifications in Education, Educational Technology, Science Education, and is currently completing his PhD exploring adolescent curiosity in learning science.

About Breeha Sinnamon

QVSA’s Central Queensland Coordinator, Rockhampton State High School

Breeha has been a teacher at Rockhampton State High School for more than 15 years and has a passion for STEM, Science and Physical Education.  Breeha is now working at part of the QVSA network to provide STEM enrichment programs to students in Years 5 – 9 across the Central Queensland region, and the wider Queensland community.  The QVSA at CQ’s priorities include delivering high quality, authentic STEM-based immersion programs that are student-centred and wrapped in deep learning, in partnership with CQUniversity and other industry collaborators.

About Wendy Bode

Deputy Principal, Global Tropics Future Project. Thuringowa State High School.

In her role as Deputy Principal at Thuringowa State High School, Wendy is leading a unique partnership between the Queensland Department of Education and James Cook University called the Global Tropics Future Project.  With over 20 years experience as a Science teacher and Head of Department, Wendy is now shaping the future of STEM education in North Queensland through the Global Tropics Future Project’s key priorities of maximising the potential of gifted students, strengthening outcomes for Indigenous students and improving outcomes for socioeconomically disadvantaged students and students from a rural and remote background.  In preparing North Queensland’s students to meet the increasing demands of STEM graduates in the workforce, the innovative nature of the Global Tropics Future Project provides opportunities for like-minded students to connect and collaboratively explore their passion for STEM as they become future problem solvers, critical and creative thinkers.