Science Active School - St Peter's Girls' School

St Peter's Girl's School became a Science Active School in 2024 for their commitment and dedication to Science Education, and their involvement with and support of SASTA. 

• SASTA Members
• Participating in the Oliphant Science Awards
• Staff volunteering to judge in the Oliphant Science Awards
• Staff member attendance at the SASTA annual conference.
• Had an article printed in SASTA publications
• Hosted the 2024 SASTA Annual Conference

Hear from their science team about what being a Science Active School means to them, and their commitment and dedication to science education. 

St Peter's Girls School: A Beacon of Excellence in Science Education

At St Peter's Girls School, we pride ourselves on being recognised as a 2024 Science Active School by the South Australian Science Teachers Association (SASTA). This accolade highlights our commitment to fostering a high level of engagement in science education and showcases the dedication, innovation, and enthusiasm of our exceptional teaching staff.

State-of-the-Art Facilities and Programs

• Our Science Centre features recently refurbished, state-of-the-art laboratories, including seven labs with three dedicated to Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. These purpose-built facilities inspire and motivate our students, providing them with the tools they need to explore and excel in the sciences.

Innovative and Engaging Science Education

St Peter's Girls’ School is committed to science education that transcends the classroom. Our programs are designed to bring science to life in innovative ways. We proudly offer:

• SACE Program with Exceptional Results: Our students have a tradition of academic success and impressive ATAR results in the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), reflecting the quality of our science education.
• International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme: This rigorous program prepares our students to direct their own learning pathway and develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive in our evolving world.
• Scientist in Residence Program: Through dynamic Science lessons and vibrant lunchtime experiments our program ignites a passion for all things Science and STEM. Our scientists are exemplary role models and mentor our students to instil scientific curiosity. 
• Oliphant Science Awards and Big Science Competition: These competitions provide exciting opportunities for students to explore real-world problems, expand their scientific knowledge and gain recognition for their outstanding work.
• Science and Engineering Challenge: This competition fosters teamwork and problem solving skills.
• RACI Titration Competition: Our goal is to inspire students with a passion for the hands-on aspects of Chemistry, enhancing their scientific abilities and comprehension.
• Australian Science Olympiads: The ASO Junior Science Olympiad for Years 7-10 and four senior disciplines: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, and Physics inspire and challenge through national exams, digital training squads, a virtual academy, intensive residential camps, and international competitions. Notably, two of our students have attended the Physics Olympiad Summer School and were selected for the Australian Physics Olympiad Team.

Bringing Science to Life

We bring science to life through engaging demonstrations and practical applications. For example, our use of hovercrafts to illustrate Newton's First and Second Laws captivates and educates our students. By linking with industry leaders and major universities, such as The University of Adelaide, Flinders University, Uni SA, SAHMRI, and companies like Saab and BAE, we ensure our students are not just learning about science but are also connected with future developments and opportunities in the field. These collaborations provide our students with unique insights and potential career pathways, giving parents confidence in the School's ability to prepare their child for the future.

Aiming for the Future

With South Australia at the forefront of technology, particularly in defence and space, there has never been a more crucial time to ignite a passion for science in our students. Our collaborations with key departments, such as Tech and Digital Learning, further enhance innovation opportunities for our students. 

At St Peter's Girls’ School, we are committed to shaping the future of science education, nurturing the next generation of scientists, and maintaining our status as a leader in educational excellence.

For more information about our programs and achievements, please visit our website St Peter's Girls' School.

Melissa Lee
STEM Innovation Leader

Craig Byrne
Head of Science