STEM is a design-thinking based course that integrates maths, science and ICT. Kildare College offers STEM as a core subject to students in Year 8 and as an enrichment subject for older year levels to give the students the opportunity to participate and engage in technology in education in the ‘digital age’.

Principal Margaret Rouggos said students learnt the tools entrepreneurs used including how to identify problems, validate solutions, create viable products and pitch ideas.

“Through increased digital literacy, they will think creatively and use problem solving skills to transform their ideas into reality, enabling the next generation of innovators,” she said.

“It’s all about preparing our students for the jobs of the future.”

The students worked in groups of three or four to tackle different challenges, where they put their problem solving and team skills to the test.

The highlight of the day was watching the winning Bridge Building team test their unbreakable bridge.