Virtual Primary STEM

Virtual STEM education program for high ability students in Victorian state schools.

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

Virtual Primary STEM at John Monash Science School

Part of the 2026 Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series. John Monash Science School is proud to offer a new, free Virtual Primary STEM program for high‑ability Year 5–6 students in Victorian government schools.

Program overview

The Virtual Primary STEM program aligns with Victorian Curriculum 2.0 and extends high-ability students beyond Year 5/6 expectations, introducing them to concepts typically explored in Year 7/8 STEM. Students will experience deeper scientific thinking, hands‑on investigations, and inquiry‑rich learning led by specialist JMSS educators.

High‑ability Year 5/6 students from Victorian state schools can choose between/(or enroll both) two learning streams:

  • Science Squad
  • Maths Ninjas

Delivered by expert STEM teachers and streamed live from the Emerging Sciences Victoria (ESV) studio at John Monash Science school, the program:

  • deepens understanding of advanced STEM concepts through inquiry‑based learning
  • builds critical and creative thinking skills using real‑world applications
  • strengthens confidence and engagement through hands‑on, collaborative activities
  • supports equitable access for both regional and metropolitan students.

*We encourage applications from regional, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and disadvantaged backgrounds for this program.

Program structure

Students can enroll in one or both learning streams based on their interests.

Each stream runs for three weeks and follows the same engaging live learning model:

  • six 50-minute, live virtual lessons delivered over three weeks
  • lesson time:  Tuesday 9:00 am – 9:50 am & Thursday 12:30 pm – 1:20 pm
  • includes direct instruction, live experiments, interactive demonstrations, and collaborative group tasks
  • designed to reinforce key concepts

Please read the program information sheet before enrolling your students.

Virtual Primary STEM Information Sheet

Enrollment and contact details

2026 Semester one enrollment is full.

For the 2026 Semester Two program enrollment:

  • Please fill out the registration form and select “notify me when semester 2 registrations are open,” and we will be in touch when the semester two program enrollment is open
  • For any inquiries, please contact outreach@jmss.vic.edu.au

John Monash Science School will NOT accept enrollment applications from individual students or parents. Schools must manage enrolments via liaising with our outreach team, and a liaison teacher must be nominated to oversee communication, attendance, and student participation.