The LASER Program of Excellence

LASER Program of Excellence

LASER stands for ‘Learning and Advancement in Science Engineering and Research’ and is a unique Cocurricular Program of Excellence for Year 7 students looking to engage with real world problem-solving. Using the disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), this STEM Program encourages students to work collaboratively using the Design Thinking Process to instigate change and develop solutions to problems that plague communities and the environment.

Guided by the Global Goals for Sustainable Development, students will investigate a variety of challenges – from disease, climate change, poverty, hunger, gender equality, sustainability, and marine health and ecological disasters – at a local, national and or international scale. Students will select a topic of interest and work collaboratively, using the Design Thinking Process, to define the problem in their area of interest and identify how technology can be used to limit or reduce the impacts of the challenge on people and the environment. Students will then pitch their solutions for change to the College community for feedback.

LASER students will refine their research skills, learn how to code using Micro:bits, explore the features of Adobe, and develop an understanding of how to use 3D printing and laser cutting to create prototypes. Students will also receive guidance on how to pitch their ideas whilst also taking on constructive feedback.

Running for one afternoon a week across Semester 2 2023, LASER is a unique opportunity for Year 7 students to engage with STEM to solve problems that matter to them and to instigate the change they want to see in their world.

How to Apply

Entry to the LASER Program is by application and testing.

The purpose of the application is to better understand each student’s interest in STEM and problem solving, guided by the Global Goals for Sustainable Development. The application requires students to respond to the following statement in a creative and engaging way:

Explain how you could use STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics – to solve a problem you or another individual or group experiences.

The submission must include:

A clear statement of the problem to be solved.
Explanation of how STEM could be used to solve the problem.
Annotated sketch of the prototyped solution.
Endorsed by a parent or caretaker.

Written submissions should not be more than 600 words in length and videos should be no longer than 3 minutes

The submission can be:

Completed individually or in a group of up to three students (each student is required to make a submission with parental or care giver endorsement).
Creative! Consider using drawings, video, stories, animations – any way to share your ideas in an engaging and clear way.

Stuck for ideas?

Is there a problem with the natural environment you would like to solve? Think rubbish, plastic waste, recycling waste.
Consider challenges created by inequity, for example; access to clean water or affordable food, food waste, access to health care.
Problems that directly impact young people, for example; climate change, ineffective public transport, access requirements for people with disabilities at events and venues like music concerts.

Testing

All students who apply for the LASER Program will complete the Inquiry and Problem Solving in STEM Contexts test. All testing will be completed at the College at the College during the school day. There is no specific revision or preparation required prior to students completing testing. The purpose of the testing is to identify student’s strengths in problem solving.

If you have any questions, contact Ms Renee Dunne or Mr Bennett.

Final offers in the LASER Program will be made by the end of Term 2, 2023!

Application form

We are now accepting applications for entrance into the LASER Excellence Program.

This cocurricular program is open to students in Year 7 only.

Please complete the Application form below.

LASER Program Application form

Name of Student*
Home Room*
Please list any other students you have worked with to complete your submission. NB: All students will need to complete their own Application.
Please provide a 20 word overview of the Challenge to be solved
Student's School Email*
Parent Email*
Upload your submission here
Drop files here or

Max. file size: 15 MB.
Please note, any videos should be saved as MP4 and be less than 15MB.
Personal statement*
Why you should be considered for the LASER Program
Student Signature*
Parent / Guardian Signature*

I understand that my daughter has applied to join the LASER cocurricular program and am supportive of her involvement in the program.