The Beacon Program:
3 Year Overview

The Beacon Program is promoting STEM careers for students

Launched in 2022, the Beacon Program, a partnership between Lumination and BAE Systems Australia, inspires Years 4–6 students with hands-on STEM education. This three-year initiative connects classroom learning to real-world applications, fostering future leaders and a lifelong passion for STEM.

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Our Future World: A Commitment to Sustainability

Centred on the theme “Our Future World,” the Beacon Program aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Australian Curriculum Sustainability Cross-Curriculum Priority. This focus helps students aged 8–11, particularly those in lower socioeconomic areas, to envision and create sustainable solutions for global challenges.

By addressing topics like climate change, urban planning, and marine preservation, Beacon broadens students’ perspectives, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

“We’ve been using robots and we’ve been coding with Tinkercad and CoSpaces. We were making a sustainable, smart city. It’s all about climate change and how to fight it.” — Ansunya, Year 5 Student at Bexley Public School after completing the
Beacon Program.

Students attend STEM program for kids wearing Beacon shirts smile and celebrate while sitting at a table in classroom with laptops Beacon Program Lumination BAE Systems

Hands-On Learning with Emerging Technologies

The Beacon Program leverages immersive technologies, including virtual reality, coding platforms, artificial intelligence, and 3D design software. These tools enable students to tackle practical problems like designing sustainable smart cities, combating ocean pollution, and improving air quality. By engaging with cutting-edge technologies, participants build skills essential for thriving in a rapidly evolving world. The program’s experiential approach encourages students to think like engineers and scientists, sparking a sense of achievement as they bring their ideas to life.

Girl looks through device at merge cube she's holding in her hands using augmented reality at the Beacon Education Program

Key Outcomes and Impact

The program has reached 3,501 students, 56 educators, and 61 schools, with remarkable outcomes:

Student Engagement: 65% of participants expressed interest in STEM careers after the program, compared to 36% before.
Inclusivity: Female participation rose to 52%, a rare achievement in STEM programs, and 6% of participants identified as First Nations students.
Academic Growth: Interest in core STEM subjects increased significantly, with Maths (33%), Science (30%), and Digital Technology (18%) seeing notable gains.
Educator Confidence: Teacher confidence in delivering STEM content grew from 64% to 85%.

These outcomes demonstrate the program’s ability to transform attitudes and capabilities in STEM, creating a more inclusive and diverse pool of future innovators. By addressing barriers to participation, the Beacon Program ensures that every student, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to succeed and thrive in STEM fields.

Voices from the Program

“The Beacon Program opens students eyes to what they can be, which impacts their attitude towards learning. If students are interested in what they’re learning, retention rates will stay high.” — Claudine Spinner, Team Leader of Community Learning and Development at Salibsury Council, Host of the Beacon Holiday Program.

“The Beacon Program gives students the freedom to explore a little bit more and look into what they find
interesting.” — Lucy, Mechanical Engineer at BAE Systems, Guest Speaker for the Beacon Program.

“The Program shows our low-socioeconomic students the world of technology… It gave us an opportunity our school could not afford to run on our own.” — Bec, Teacher at Ocean View College, Beacon Program Participant.

Beacon Holiday Program

Extending its reach beyond the school term, the Beacon Holiday Program offers an immersive four-day STEM experience. Participants engage in activities across land, air, and sea, exploring cutting-edge technologies under the guidance of Lumination’s expert team and guest speakers from BAE Systems. This program deepens students’ understanding of STEM pathways and equips them with practical skills.

Key Statistics:

Schools Represented: 85
Students Participated: 192
Increased Interest in STEM Subjects: 79.3%, with Maths (7.6%) and Digital Technology showing significant gains.
STEM Career Aspirations: 43% of participants expressed interest in STEM careers after the program.

Beacon Program | Lumination Spotlight October 2024

Learning Outcomes

Students who participate in the Beacon Program consistently demonstrate improved skills in problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration. Engaging with real-world challenges enhances their understanding of sustainability and the role of technology in addressing global issues. This immersive approach bridges the gap between classroom concepts and practical applications, inspiring confidence and ambition. As a result, participants are more likely to pursue STEM subjects and careers with enthusiasm and purpose.

“I want to be a scientist because I really want to create new creations for the world and I think it would be a good opportunity.” — Aliera, Year 6 Student at Northfield Primary School after completing the Beacon Program.

Looking Ahead

With over 140 schools involved, the Beacon Program continues to expand its reach and impact. By breaking down barriers to STEM education, it cultivates a diverse and skilled workforce for the future. Lumination and BAE Systems remain committed to driving innovation in STEM education, ensuring the program evolves to meet the needs of students and educators. By empowering young minds to tackle tomorrow’s challenges, Beacon is shaping a brighter, more equitable future for all.

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