Click here for photos of ‘Pulleys for Productivity’.

Click here for photos of ‘Rollin’ in the Energy Mix’.

Click here for photos of ‘Scarcity or Sustainability’.

The air was charged with excitement today as about 230 bright young minds from St Hilda’s School delved into a series of immersive science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) activities across three workshops delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA).

The QMEA, the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) helped the Year 7 and 8 students explore a future career in Queensland’s world-class resources and energy sector as they participated in one of three activities throughout the day.

QRC Director of Skills, Education, and Diversity, Ms Katrina-Lee Jones said thanks to support from the QRC members’ education levy, this unforgettable event marked a turning point in empowering and shaping the next generation of female leaders in STEM and mining.

“Incorporating hands-on activities with real-world resources and energy sector applications, today’s program aimed to encourage students to continue pursuing excellence in STEM fields, helping them forge professional pathways to a rewarding career after school,” Ms Jones said.

“In ‘Scarcity or Sustainability’, students engaged in a captivating turn-based simulation game where they were tasked with strategically removing disks from a board representing Earth’s precious natural resources.

“This innovative approach, connected the science curriculum, fostered cooperative play and critical thinking and allowed the students to grapple with the pressing challenges of sustainable development – something we know the next generation is extremely passionate about.”

During ‘Pulleys for Productivity’, students discovered the fascinating principles of physics as they explored how a mechanical advantage like the traditional pulley system plays a vital role in the resources and energy sector.

This experience not only showcased the power of physics and let the students bolster their mathematical skills, but it also highlighted the importance of innovative solutions for moving large volumes of materials in mining and energy operations.

St Hilda’s School Acting Principal, Ms Amanda Shuttlewood said in the third program ‘Rollin’ in the Energy Mix’, students dove into the world of energy generation, distribution, and planning as they were tasked with developing their own team’s Energy Plan for 2050, based on real-world challenges and opportunities.

“Taking aspects of the National Energy Market (NEM), students gained a comprehensive understanding of how Australia and its states and territories are powered, analysing factors such as renewable energy targets, peak demand forecasts, and energy contracts – modelling them with dice” Ms Shuttlewood said.

“As the energy landscape undergoes transformative changes, this workshop was timely, allowing these STEM visionaries to explore various forms of energy generation and identify how they are poised to shape the future of sustainable energy.

“We’re extremely proud to be partnering with the QMEA for the second year in a row now, demonstrating the incredible potential of young women in STEM and reaffirming the importance of encouraging their continued pursuit of knowledge, excellence, and impactful careers.”

As Australia’s largest and most successful industry-led education and schools initiative, the QMEA seeks to broaden student and teacher knowledge of career opportunities in resources.

The academy encourages a talent pipeline of employees into vocational and professional careers, with a focus on female and Indigenous participation. The QMEA currently engages with over 90 schools and is a partnership between the QRC and the Queensland Government under its Gateway to Industry Schools program.