Four schools, including one from the Pilbara, were yesterday celebrated at the 2019 Governor’s School STEM Awards for their leadership and achievements in creating a positive school culture in science, technology, engineering and maths.
Brookman Primary School and Melville Senior High School won Leadership Excellence Awards, while Pannawonica Primary School and Hale School took home Meritorious Leadership Awards (the runner-up prize).
Brookman Primary was recognised for integrating STEM throughout school planning and classroom practice, as well as providing mentorship to other schools to do the same.
Melville High’s achievements include engaging industry and the local community to develop innovative programs that increase student achievement in and enthusiasm for STEM.
Now in their fifth year, the awards recognise high quality school leadership and teaching in STEM disciplines, which help students develop critical thinking and problem solving skills.
A priority for the McGowan Government is increasing student participation in STEM to help prepare them for job opportunities of the future. In May, The McGowan Government delivered on its election commitment to release the State’s first STEM skills strategy.
For more information about the awards, visit
As stated by Science Minister Dave Kelly:
“This is the first time a school from the Pilbara region has been recognised for outstanding STEM education through the Governor’s School STEM Awards.
“With the McGowan Government’s State STEM skills strategy delivering more STEM opportunities for students across Western Australia, I hope to see many more regional schools feature in these awards in the future.
“Students with STEM skills will be well equipped to take on the jobs of the future.”
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
“Passionate teachers and principals make all the difference in getting students excited about scientific inquiry and problem solving.
“I am pleased to see that regional schools, public schools and schools from low socioeconomic areas are being recognised for their successes integrating STEM across the curriculum.”
As stated by the Hon. Kim Beazley AC, Governor of Western Australia:
“Congratulations to all of the winners, runners-up and finalists in this year’s awards.
“It was a pleasure to meet principals from around Western Australia who are committed to finding new, innovative ways to engage students with STEM skills.
“I thank the two judging panels, chaired by Ms Roslyn Kay and Emeritus Professor Alan Robson AO.”
| Category | Result | School | Suburb |
| Primary | Leadership Excellence Award (Winner) $2,000 prize | Brookman Primary School | Langford |
| Primary | Meritorious Leadership Award (Runner-up) $1,000 prize | Pannawonica Primary School | Pannawonica |
| Primary | Finalist | Baynton West Primary School | Baynton (near Karratha) |
| Secondary | Leadership Excellence Award (Winner) $2,000 prize | Melville Senior High School | Melville |
| Secondary | Meritorious Leadership Award (Runner-up) $1,000 prize | Hale School | Wembley Downs |
| Secondary | Finalist | Cecil Andrews College | Seville Grove |
| Secondary | Finalist | Presbyterian Ladies’ College | Peppermint Grove |
