Passion and Innovation in STEM at Loreto Normanhurst

Highlighting student achievement is key to nurturing growth and high-level aspirations. Hannah Chung in Year 10 completed her work experience at UNSW, exploring civil and environmental engineering through a series of interactive workshops and projects. One of her projects involved constructing a paper straw bridge, and she visited sites including the Opera House, Botanical Gardens, and a construction site to understand how engineering systems are designed and implemented in real life. “I gained a strong understanding of how design thinking is used in engineering and how to calculate water usage and integrate sustainable technologies into home design,” Hannah reflects. “What surprised me most was how complex sustainable design really is, there’s so much more to it than adding solar panels or rain tanks. This experience enhanced my interest in engineering and STEM, and I’d definitely like to pursue further study and career pathways in this area.”

Year 8 students Julia Foong, Julia Scarfe, and Zoe Macedone recently placed third in the 2025 Think Science Competition, producing an in-depth study comparing vitamin C levels in different fruits and vegetables. They created a video detailing their research, conducted experiments using dichlorophenolindophenol, and drew conclusions to recommend healthy snack options during flu season. “We picked to explore this topic because during winter it’s much easier to catch colds, and it’s important to keep yourself healthy during this time,” the team explains. “We enjoyed the process, learned how to divide work effectively, and may consider doing more science projects in the future.” Their success was recognised with ANSTO medals, certificates, and $400 of educational resources for their classroom, demonstrating how participation in STEM competitions can offer both recognition and practical learning benefits.

In the primary school, Brigid Delaney in Year 5 presented her Passion Project to her class, designing a model chicken coop focused on animal welfare and sustainability. “I liked researching the most because I could learn so much more about my chicken, Biscuit, and about sustainability, greenhouse gas and food waste,” Brigid says. “I would definitely like to work on projects like this in the future.” Brigid’s project required her to answer research questions, design and build a product, and deliver a lesson to her peers, an experience that fostered both critical thinking and creativity at a young age.

Across the school, Loreto Normanhurst provides access to mentorship, workshops, and competitions that challenge students to apply their knowledge in practical ways. Whether through hands-on engineering projects, collaborative research, or independent investigations, students are encouraged to take initiative, solve problems creatively, and develop confidence in STEM disciplines.

By celebrating and supporting these achievements, Loreto Normanhurst cultivates a learning environment where curiosity, innovation, and ambition are nurtured. The school continues to expand opportunities for students to explore STEM, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to tackle future challenges and pursue rewarding pathways in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.