A dedicated space for curious minds
Westburn’s specialist STEM classroom is a place where students are encouraged to learn, create and explore.
Our Impact
To help establish Westburn Te Kura o Hereora's dedicated STEM programme, we funded a range of classroom resources that foster creativity, collaboration and innovative problem solving.
The Story
At Westburn Te Kura o Hereora, one classroom looks a little different from the rest.
It's a place where bridges are built from cardboard tubes, LEGO robots come to life, students explore digital design and curiosity is encouraged at every turn.
Each week, around 180 students from Years 1 to 6 rotate through the school's dedicated STEM classroom, where they tackle hands-on challenges that encourage them to ask questions, design, create, test and improve their ideas.
For STEM teacher Rachel Woods, that's exactly how learning should happen.
“I provide the problem or challenge, but students decide how they will approach it. They discover that there can be many different solutions, and through planning, designing, testing and improving their ideas, they develop the confidence to take risks, persevere through challenges and learn from what doesn’t work.”
The programme began in 2025, but this year took a major step forward when Westburn established a permanent STEM classroom. An empty room, combined with an enthusiastic teacher and support from the Tait Foundation, transformed a plan into reality.
Our $15,000 grant has enabled the purchase classroom resources large and small, from popsicle sticks and cardboard tubes to LEGO robotics kits, a 3D printer and classroom furniture.
“The most exciting part of creating this STEM space is seeing what students do when they have the tools and environment to explore their ideas. This programme started as a vision for what STEM learning could look like at Westburn, and the support from the Tait Foundation has helped bring that vision to life.”
One recent project challenged students to create bridges capable of holding 3 kilograms of weight, using only simple materials such as tubes, pipe cleaners and popsicle sticks. After learning about engineering concepts such as internal forces and trusses, every bridge successfully held a full 20 kilograms.
Just as rewarding has been seeing the impact beyond the classroom.
“The STEM programme is something students genuinely look forward to each week,” says Rachel. “Parents tell me their children are coming home talking about the projects, recreating models and explaining concepts like tension and mechanical advantage. That’s happening because they're genuinely excited about what they are learning and creating.”
Rachel has also watched students flourish as they discover talents and strengths that shine in the STEM environment.
“One of the most rewarding outcomes of the programme has been seeing students realise they are capable problem solvers. Some students who find other areas of learning challenging come into the STEM room and discover they have incredible creativity and valuable ideas to contribute. They gain confidence in their abilities, take pride in their achievements and recognise strengths they may not have realised they had. That’s where they really get to thrive.”
With engaging topics, evolving challenges and opportunities for all Years 1-6 students to build on their skills as they progress through the year levels, Westburn is creating a strong, sustainable STEM programme that grows alongside its learners.
The Tait Foundation is proud to support initiatives like Westburn's STEM programme, helping young people develop the confidence, curiosity and problem-solving skills they'll carry with them for life.
