Meriden was buzzing with curiosity, creativity and collaboration during STEM Week, as students embraced the UN International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026 and prepared for National Science Week.
Inspired by the vital role that innovation, sustainability and scientific thinking play in shaping our future, students spent the week planting questions, growing new skills and harvesting exciting discoveries through a wide range of hands-on activities, competitions and workshops.
Putting Their Knowledge to the Test
Throughout the week, students eagerly searched for staff members and their badges in the popular Periodic Table Badge Hunt, while others tested their estimating skills in the Guess the Fruit Lollies in the Jar competition. The Social Science Captains also challenged students with a plant-identification competition, helping to reinforce this year’s focus on agriculture, sustainability and the natural world.
Lunchtimes were packed with action as student leaders took centre stage. Participants navigated a farm-themed maze during the Tech Club Robot Farm Maze Race, demonstrated their problem-solving skills in the FabLab Sphero Race, and finished the week tackling challenges in the highly anticipated STEM Escape Room, organised by our Maths and Science Captains.
Combining Science, Technology and Creativity
A highlight of STEM Week was the variety of creative workshops available to students. From making solar system bead bookmarks and painting rocks to creating fairy gardens in jars, students had the opportunity to combine science, technology and creativity while making something special to take home. FabLab activities proved especially popular, with students designing signs for the school’s beehive and garden, creating personalised garden markers and producing their own custom badges.
“I am always amazed by the creativity and generosity of spirit of our students. For instance, when we wanted to celebrate space and our new telescope, we looked everywhere for beads that looked like planets of the solar system, but could not find any. So, since the start of term, FabLab students have handmade 220 solar system polymer clay beads so that other students could participate in Friday’s solar system bead bookmark activity. It is wonderful to see girls working for the learning, joy and encouragement of other girls.”
Alexandra Phillips, Coordinator of Learning Link – Innovation.
Showcasing Scientific Innovation
STEM was part of the Science Showcase this year, with the outstanding work of our Year 8 STEMship Enterprise students and Year 9 and 10 iSTEM students on display. Visitors enjoyed exploring student projects, witnessing the unboxing of Meriden’s new telescope, and voting in the People’s Choice Award. The showcase highlighted the innovation, ingenuity and entrepreneurial thinking being developed through our STEM elective programs.
STEM Week would not have been possible without the enthusiasm of our students and the dedication of our Year 11 STEM Captains Brianna and Sienna, Tech Club Captain Zoe, FabLab team, Green Team Captains Chloe and Esther, Social Science Captains Sophie and Wenwen, DaCA Captains Samantha and Phoebe, International Astronomy and Astrophysics Ambassador Kate (Year 10), and the many staff members who supported activities throughout the week.
Great Discoveries Begin with Curiosity
Most importantly, STEM Week reminded us that every great discovery begins with curiosity. Whether students were racing robots, solving puzzles, creating designs or exploring scientific ideas, they were nurturing the skills and mindsets that will help them become the innovators, problem-solvers and leaders of tomorrow.
Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make STEM Week 2026 a success.
