Coopernook Public School pride themselves on being a school of excellence and innovation, and in the past two years enrolments have increased by 34 per cent.

The school is leading the way with STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) lessons, with all classes having integrated STEM lessons.

In addition, last year saw all seven teams from years five and six progress to the national Kidpreneur judging finals. Two of these teams went on to take out the national title and were flown to Melbourne for the presentation.

This year Coopernook Public School has been recognised on national televsion with SBS doing a short 10-minute documentary on STEM and entrepreneurial programs in school: Meet the kidpreneurs making more money than you (video).

The school’s students were recently invited to attend Edutech – the largest educational exhibition in the southern hemisphere – to showcase their STEM and entrepreneurial skills to thousands of educators.

Principal Mrs Tania Gilchrist was also invited to speak on centre stage about her leadership and successful integration of STEM and entrepreneurial programs into the classroom. 

Mrs Gilchrist and teacher Amber Orr were selected from hundreds of applicants to be amongst only 35 from across Australia to attend the elite STEM X Academy this year.

Students will shortly be providing a ‘road show’ of their STEM skills, touring other schools to talk to them about the success in STEM and business.

The school runs extension programs for gifted and talented children in areas of math, science, music, singing, art and environmental studies.