Science
Science at Bertram Primary School is taught by specialist teachers. in recognition of our plans to grow and improve science education and skill our students for the jobs of the future, our school was selected to have a classroom converted into a science laboratory and provided further funding by the WA Government to purchase science equipment and resources.
Through a range of investigations, experiments and teacher guided lessons, students have the opportunity to develop their Science Understanding and Inquiry Skills. To develop thinking skills and an enjoyment of learning, students have occasion to develop their own questions and investigations. Each term is dedicated to one of the Science Understandings – Earth and Space Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Physical Sciences and Biological Sciences.
Technologies
Digital Technologies at Bertram Primary School is taught by specialist teachers, while Design and Technologies provides students the opportunity to use design thinking and technologies to generate and produce solutions for authentic needs and opportunities within their classroom context.
Both Digital and Design Technologies allow students to build their problem solving skills, creativity and resilience through a range of hands-on challenges. We promote the integration of other learning areas through the use of The Bertram Design Process, an explicit structure which is consistently adopted throughout the school to provide students clear direction when designing solutions to a problem.
Teacher Development School (TDS)
As a Teacher Development School our STEM team builds their own skills and understanding while also supporting their colleagues from around the state to strengthen their skills and learning programs. The STEM team has a passion for integrating the learning areas to ensure students are building their knowledge, understanding, skills and love of learning through rich experiences. Our goal is to build resilience and understanding through an atmosphere which celebrates failure and perseverance.
Young ICT Explorers (YICTE)
Bertram Primary School provides students from Years 3 to 6 the opportunity to participate in Young ICT Explorers. YICTE is an Australia-wide competition in which students are invited to develop a digital solution to an issue or matter of interest of their choosing.
Students who choose to participate in YICTE are supported in identifying issues, investigating possible responses, proposing, and developing digital solutions. The program is dependent upon the degree to which students engage and pursue the digital solutions they develop, with assistance from Mr Redman as a facilitator and supporter and other staff members who may provide technical and conceptual support.
Since commencing in 2018, Bertram PS has supported over 20 teams develop their ideas to the point where they have submitted proposals and subsequently presented their finished devices for judging at the WA State Finals.
In 2020, a Year 5 team was successful in winning the WA State Finals for their Life Saving Watch and were invited to present their project at the YICTE Australian National Final.
