Coastal Academy of STEM excellence
Our Coastal Academy of STEM Excellence (CASE) is one of 12 Department-supported Academies of STEM Excellence in NSW and a core part of our Inspire HPGE program. Through CASE, high potential students in science, engineering and environmental studies are extended through real-world, industry-connected programs including robotics, 3D modelling, marine science on Cudgen Creek, and Citizen Science partnerships with Dolphin Research Australia. CASE operates across seven schools in the Coastal Learning Community, building STEM pathways from primary school through to university.
“Working with real marine scientists at Cudgen Creek was so cool. We collected data that could help save the creek and the local dolphins, which means a lot to me because I fish and swim here all the time. It feels great to be protecting a place that's important to me and my friends. Learning science like this is way better than being inside a classroom.” Year 7 student Xander Roberts
STEM Programs
STEM Excellence Program
The STEM Excellence Program delivers weekly hands-on sessions for high school students and a series of collaborative Maker Space experiences for Year 6 Students across the year. Working alongside high school mentors, students explore digital design, robotics, gaming, filmmaking and sustainability solutions while building confidence and real-world STEM skills. The program also includes a university excursion in Term 4, strengthening pathways and supporting a smooth transition to high school and beyond.
Coastal Guardians
Coastal Guardians is a hands-on citizen science program empowering students aged 7-17 to protect and monitor our local waterways and wildlife. From analysing water and microplastics to tracking whale migrations and endangered birdlife, students take on real-world STEM roles. Older students partner with researchers to collect vital data, Stage 2 students join Curlew Crews, and our youngest learners track humpbacks along the Humpback Highway. Inspiring curiosity, sustainability and action - Coastal Guardians connects classrooms with the natural world, turning learning into meaningful impact for our environment and community. [Read more →]
Dubay Connections
Dubay Connections empowers young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to strengthen their connection to culture, community and country through STEM learning. Girls identify local priorities, design solutions, and lead projects that create lasting impact in their schools. The program builds confident First Nations leaders and problem solvers for a strong, sustainable future.
NSW Virtual STEM Academy
NSWVSA provides high- achieving students in Years 5-10 with innovative online STEM enrichment programs that foster deep learning, critical thinking, and collaboration. With a strong focus on regional, rural and remote learners, students connect with students from across NSW and industry experts while exploring fields such as engineering, cybersecurity, biomedical science, and indigenous knowledge.
Youth Environment Council
The Youth Environment Council is a new sustainability program for Years 5 and 6 delivered in partnership between Tweed Shire Council and CASE. Students lead real-world environmental projects, connect with local experts, act on issues such as waste reduction, biodiversity, and coastal care, and showcase their learning at school and community events. The program builds leadership, collaboration, and a strong commitment to caring for our community and environment.
Coastal Remakers
Coastal Remakers is a new initiative for High School students that aims to establish hands-on recycling projects for High School students to build interest in engineering, sustainability, environmental science and land management. Students will build school and community projects in partnership with the universities, community and industry partners. The program aims for students to be visiting the new Coolangatta SCU Engineering Facility opening in 2026 to engage in projects and gain insight into further opportunities in Engineering and Environmental science.
"Being part of Kingscliff High School's STEM program prepared me to follow my passion for motorsport while completing my degree." Skye, Electrical Engineering student and class of 2023 at Kingscliff High School.
STEM Enrichment Events
CASE Maker Fair
A huge evening event for parents, families, current and future students, to engage in action-packed hands on sustainable STEM projects created by Year 5 - 8 students, along with fun activities designed and produced by students, staff and industry partners. The event also includes guest speakers, university stands, government and industry showcases.
Eye on the Future Challenge
A daytime event for Year 5 - 7 students to explore future focused transportation and renewable energies. Students design and build solar-powered cars at school, share their learning with a community judging panel and race their cars. High School students can also opt to participate in an automated solar powered garden challenge. Past presentations and exhibits included the QLD Government Emerging Industries Hydrogen Vehicle and SCU converted Electric Kombi Van.
STEM Mini Olympiad
An opportunity for Tweed 7 High School and Coastal Learning Community Year 5 - 7 students to engage in a hands on space-themed STEM challenge day, where student teams rotate through different hands on challenges run by both universities and staff. Past guest speakers have included Gilmour Space on the Gold Coast and Astrophysicist, Lisa Harvey-Smith.
One Earth One Future
Students engage in hands-on environmental science exploring local issues including microplastics, waterway health, migrating birds and principles of waste reduction and circular economy. Students showcase projects developed and participate in hands-on activities on water quality sampling, Ocean Life Education and Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue marine animal presentations and Forest Learning bushwalk and sustainable timber harvesting activity.
STEM Mentoring
The Academy is led by a Primary and Secondary STEM Project Officer who work closely with staff providing opportunities to engage in entrepreneurial learning, problem based learning and new technologies
Professional Learning
Staff are provided with professional development opportunities in conjunction with local industries and education providers. Partners have included Young Change Agents, CSIRO and universities. In 2025 UNSW funded several regional Primary Schools to participate in a problem-based learning program in Sydney.
“Having the opportunity to use industry standard software and equipment and to play a leadership role in many productions in group projects greatly impacted my practical skills. This has provided me with the support in my future career and studies in Multimedia." Taj Guest, Year 12
Inspire - High potential and gifted education
We recognise that some students learn more quickly or shine in areas such as creativity, leadership, or sport, and we nurture these strengths through tailored lessons and activities that help advanced learners grow and thrive.
Enrolment
At Kingscliff High School, we welcome enrolments throughout the school year. Enrol today or talk to us to find out how your family can join our school community.