The Monash Virtual School is a reimagination of how higher education can partner with schools and their students to provide innovative initial teacher education, professional development and collaboration to address educational inequities.

We are pioneering innovative, research-driven programs which strengthen the relationships between universities, schools and learners. We create educational designs that not only respond to current challenges but also empower current and future educators to drive change. Our work aims to foster hope and build more equitable futures for individuals and their communities.

With the support of the Invergowrie Foundation, we deliver three key initiatives aimed at expanding STEM educational opportunities for girls and young women across Victoria. Our focus is on fostering interest and building essential skills that will help these students thrive in future STEM pursuits whilst also supporting the development of both in-service and pre-service teachers.

Primary School Program: Laying the Foundation

Our primary school program supports upper primary STEM education and we are currently working with five schools: Carrum Primary, Donburn Primary, Yarra Road Primary, Surrey Hills Primary, and Bayswater South Primary. Each project is co-designed with the school, ensuring unique and tailored learning experiences.

To address the knowledge gap many primary teachers face in teaching STEM, we document the programs designed with our partner primary schools in order to produce high-quality online lesson plans that will soon be available for any school to use, helping to overcome educational inequities.

For example, students at Carrum Primary are participating in the Wetlands Matter! project, where they explore local ecosystems through field trips and expert sessions, fostering early engagement with STEM subjects.

Students from Carrum Primary School participating in the Wetlands Matter! project

Year 11 STEM Events: Sparking Curiosity

The Year 11 STEM Events Series, introduced in 2024, is designed to inspire girls and young women to explore STEM subjects. These events offer students the opportunity to engage with role models and explore different fields of STEM, with a focus on building curiosity and enthusiasm for future studies. To register interest in attending these free online STEM events, please visit our registration page.

Year 12 VCE Revision Classes: Supporting Achievement

Since 2020, the Year 12 VCE Revision Program has provided free, online revision classes for students in eight STEM subjects. Supported by pre-service teachers from Monash University’s Faculty of Education, these sessions attract more than 25,000 registrations annually, helping students prepare for their exams and enhance their academic performance.

In addition to subject-specific tutoring, students receive guidance on exam strategies and study techniques. This program not only boosts students’ confidence and success but also provides valuable teaching experience for Monash’s pre-service educators.

To register interest in attending these free VCE revision classes, please visit our registration page.

Research and Impact

Research conducted on our programs has demonstrated significant improvements in student self-efficacy in six out of eight measures, with results presented at international conferences. The positive impact extends to pre-service teachers involved in the Year 12 program, who have reported notable gains in their teaching skills and confidence.

For more information about our programs and to view detailed findings from our research, please visit the publications page of the Monash Virtual School website.