Case Study: Carrum Primary School
Carrum Primary School is located in the bayside Melbourne suburb of Carrum, approximately 45 minutes drive south from the centre of Melbourne. With approximately 370 students from Foundation (students approximately 5 years of age) through to Grade 6 (students approximately 12 years of age), the school has many unique features including a kitchen garden, chickens, goats and a wetland.
Under the guidance of Mr Marcus Mulcahy, the school began to develop an engaging STEM program on the school site; however, Mr Mulcahy’s desire to offer his young students more varied experiences led to a partnership with the Monash Virtual School.
From the outset, this partnership was guided by Monash Virtual School’s commitment to designing programs that align with the unique educational philosophies and goals of partner schools. Instead of imposing a standard framework, Nicky Rogers (Coordinator of Primary School Programs) collaborated closely with Carrum Primary School to build on their existing strengths, particularly their Design and Agency model of thinking, which prioritises student-driven inquiry and problem-solving.
Program 1: "How Much Water is Enough?"
Initially beginning in 2023, the first program – ‘How much water is enough?’ – was co-designed with members of the school community for a focus group of Year 4/5 students. Specifically, this unit aimed to provide opportunities to engage in a unit of learning that was designed to foster curiosity and experiential learning with an important focus on an issue that the students and staff have identified in their extensive vegetable gardens.
True to Carrum's principles, the unit centered on their Design and Agency model. Students were encouraged to research, ideate, and prototype solutions to their problem, with a focus on peer review and iterative improvement. By embedding Carrum’s thinking framework into the program, we ensured our work complemented rather than disrupted their established educational approach.
Feedback from staff highlighted the program’s success, noting unprecedented levels of student engagement and excitement. This outcome spurred the creation of a second, more expansive initiative.
Program 2: "Wetlands Matter!"
Building on the momentum of the first program, Wetlands Matter! expanded the partnership to Years 5/6. Co-designed with input from students, staff, and community members, this unit explored the ecological significance of wetlands, inspired by student curiosity about the frog species living in Carrum’s on-site wetland.
In keeping with our principles, the program blended Carrum’s educational approach with Monash Virtual School’s STEM expertise and technological resources. Students conducted fieldwork at the nearby Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands and participated in a virtual workshop with herpetologist Mike Swan, who provided insights into local frog species and his lifelong passion for amphibians and reptiles.
Further enriching the program, Alan Johnson, a Koorie Engagement Support Officer, introduced students to the deep cultural and environmental connection between the region’s first peoples and wetlands. A visit to Monash University’s Aboriginal Garden allowed students to learn more about Indigenous plants and environments, further embedding cultural context into their STEM learning.
Outcomes and Legacy
The Wetlands Matter! program culminated in a creative application of student learning: the development of board and online games designed to teach the Carrum school community about wetland ecosystems and their importance. This project demonstrated our shared commitment to fostering student agency, creativity, and community impact.
By listening to Carrum Primary School’s needs and building on their established educational model, the partnership exemplifies how Monash Virtual School customises programs to enact a school’s identity and values whilst supporting its staff and students.
To find out more:
- Visit the website designed and developed by the students involved in this program that details their work;
- Engage with the free, open access resources that have been developed for both units of work. These have been created so that any teacher in any primary school can adapt these units of work for their own context;
- Watch the video of Carrum Primary School staff and students explaining why the partnership with the Monash Virtual School has been important in extending the STEM teaching and learning program at the school.