The Pilbara CoRE Academy is set to launch at Tom Price Senior High School on February 26, 2025, marking a major step forward in STEM education and industry connections for students in regional Western Australia. This initiative will provide Year 11 and 12 students with immersive learning experiences, industry mentoring, and pathways into the resources sector, ensuring they graduate with real-world knowledge and practical skills.
The Academy is powered by Tom Price Senior High School and the CoRE Learning Foundation. Utilising our progressive, hands-on STEM learning model, integrating real-world problem-solving, field experiences, and gamified education to make learning engaging and relevant.
A Collaboration to Strengthen Regional STEM Education
The Pilbara CoRE Academy is the result of a strategic partnership between CoRE, Tom Price Senior High School, Curtin University’s Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer and the Commonwealth Government’s Trailblazer Universities Program, and Rio Tinto. Together we are working to equip students with industry-relevant STEM skills and provide direct connections to career pathways in mining, engineering, environmental science, and related fields.
Suzy Urbaniak, Co-Founder of CoRE, highlighted the significance of the Academy for regional students:
"It’s fantastic that Pilbara students will have more STEM pathways with strong links to the resource sector, which is so important to the region."
The initiative builds on CoRE’s mission to transform education in regional areas, ensuring students not only learn STEM but experience it firsthand through project-based learning (PBL), local industry engagement, and exposure to cutting-edge technology.
Rio Tinto’s Commitment to Future STEM Talent
A new three-year partnership with Rio Tinto will significantly expand the Academy’s reach, enhancing student learning through direct industry involvement. Rio Tinto’s support will provide:
Hands-on learning experiences through fieldwork and industry-integrated projects.
Mentorship opportunities from industry professionals.
Pathways into mining and sustainability careers, ensuring students can transition from education to employment.
Richard Cohen, Managing Director of Rail, Port, and Core Services at Rio Tinto, emphasised the company’s investment in future STEM talent:
"We are excited to support the launch of the Pilbara CoRE Academy, which will strengthen STEM pathways for students living in the Pilbara region. This initiative will nurture and support the next generation of innovative thinkers and problem-solvers who could shape our future workforce."
Expanding STEM Learning Through Innovation
The Academy will introduce students to advanced STEM learning tools, including:
Project-Based Learning (PBL) to develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Field trips and site visits to expose students to the realities of working in the resources industry.
Gamifying Earth Science (GES), uses interactive, game-based learning to make complex STEM concepts accessible and engaging for students across Australia.
By providing real-world learning experiences, the Pilbara CoRE Academy ensures students are better prepared for STEM careers and empowered to make informed decisions about their futures.
Join Us for the Pilbara CoRE Academy Launch
The launch event is open to students, parents, educators, and community members interested in learning more about the Academy’s impact.
📅 Date: February 26, 2025
📍 Location: Tom Price Senior High School
Attendees can expect:
A showcase of project-based learning led by students.
Opportunities to engage with educators and industry leaders.
Insights into the Academy's transformation of STEM education in the Pilbara.
See the press release:
This initiative represents a significant leap forward for regional STEM education, providing students with the skills, knowledge, and industry connections they need to become the next generation of leaders in the resources sector.
Comments