The Y is rolling out term‑based STEM across Outside School Hours Care, and in Bendigo, it’s already growing fast.
At St Kilian’s Primary School, a new gardening‑themed program started with 10 children; a few weeks in, 21 are turning up on Monday afternoons.
Seed‑bomb “wildflowers” went home in muddy hands. Then came a DIY water‑filtration challenge using bottles, tissue, stones and soil. All crafted with simple materials, delivering big reactions.
It was amazing. They couldn’t believe the water came out clean because it was so dirty. Parents are loving how excited the children are to come.educator, Felicia Lacey
Across OSHC, the model gives each service a themed term of hands‑on experiences that build curiosity, problem‑solving and creativity, all in a setting that feels familiar, social and relaxed. For some children it’s a chance to try something new; for others, it’s quickly become a weekly highlight.
The gardening program runs through to the end of term, with more experiments still to come.
