Primary School Outreach

Our flagship outreach program, Primary School Outreach introduce high-ability Year 5/6 students to a range of advanced STEM topics. Across four exciting sessions, participating primary students engage in interactive learning experiences guided and mentored by JMSS Year 10 and Year 11 students, who support and lead them through each activity.

an illustration of a boy and a girl enjoying some science learning

Part of the Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series

In 2026, our primary school outreach program has become part of the Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series.

Program overview

Victorian state primary schools can enroll eligible students in below streams:

  • Little Scientists, Big Science
  • Mini Mathematicians
  • Spike Prime‑ARY (*New in 2026 – NOT part of the Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series)

These programs not only spark curiosity and passion for science, maths, and engineering in primary students, but also help our JMSS mentors develop confidence, leadership, and responsibility through real teaching experiences.

Learning areas/topics

  • Little Scientists, Big Science: students explore topics such as flight physics, pH testing, anatomy and adaptation, robotics, and engineering.
  • Mini Mathematicians: a fun, hands‑on approach to mathematics using games, puzzles, and problem‑solving challenges.
  • Spike Prime‑ARY: a robotics program using the LEGO Spike Prime platform to introduce coding, engineering, and creative problem‑solving.

This program opens only to Victorian State Schools.

Primary School Outreach Handbook 2026
a illustration of 2026 timetable

Program structure & timtable

Eligible primary schools can enroll students in one or all learning streams based on students' interests. Each stream runs for four weeks and follows the same engaging learning model, on Wednesday afternoon from 1:30pm to 3:00 pm.

Primary school liaison teacher

Each primary school will be required to nominate a teacher as the primary school liaison for the program and be responsible for:

  • school students enrollments
  • liaison with JMSS on acceptance of offer, change of program dates, attendance
  • parents/carers content for the program
  • transportation of school students
  • coordinate chaperones (parent helpers – with valid WWCC) for your group on program days

Provided by JMSS

JMSS will supply the following for participants of the primary school outreach program:

  • training and support for our year 10 and 11 students, teaching the program
  • one of our laboratories for the program
  • all materials used in the experiments, activities, practical components and challenges
  • class facilitator and laboratory technician staff from JMSS present during the workshops
  • support for Primary School students to complete their research projects and display them at one of JMSS’s Science Fairs;
  • opportunities for primary teachers to observe lessons and engage with our students and teachers regarding the content and processes.

Applications for 2026 program now open

2026 applications are now open.

If your school is successful in its application, you will receive an offer letter.

Please contact JMSS as soon as possible if there are any issues with your offer.

Program inquiries: outreach@jmss.vic.edu.au

Join our Primary School Outreach Mailing List.

Do you want your Primary Students to participate in the JMSS Primary School Outreach Program?
Join our PS Outreach Mailing List to be informed of the upcoming application period!