Science is thriving at Casuarina Senior College

From award-winning competitions and engineering challenges to astronomy events and sustainable food production, Science at Casuarina Senior College is set for another big term.



From award-winning competitions and engineering challenges to astronomy events and sustainable food production, Science at Casuarina Senior College (CSC) is set for another big term highlighting the school’s commitment to STEM education.

As the Top End’s only dedicated senior secondary college, CSC offers a broad range of science opportunities designed to prepare students for university, further training and future careers.

Students are not only learning scientific knowledge, but applying it in real-world contexts, developing collaborative, innovative and problem-solving skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom.

Student achievement has been a major highlight this year.

CSC students achieved outstanding success in the University of Queensland Sunflower Competition, with students receiving the top awards in the NT for their efforts.

Students have also challenged themselves in the prestigious Big Science Competition, demonstrating their strength at a national level.

In another significant achievement, CSC student, Lia Parkes, was accepted into the Indigenous Australian Engineering School, providing valuable opportunities to explore engineering pathways and connect with industry professionals.

Students proudly represented the college at the Darwin Science and Engineering Challenge, where they collaborated with peers to solve complex design and engineering problems. Students also volunteered at the Jingili Science Expo, sharing their enthusiasm for science with the next generation of scientists and innovators.

Science Faculty Leader, Ms Jessica Neilsen, said the coming weeks would showcase the many ways students can engage with science, both inside and outside the classroom.

“Science is about curiosity, problem solving and preparing students for the careers of the future,” Ms Neilsen said.

“This term we are excited to share that passion with both our students and the wider community.”



National Science Week will again be a major celebration at CSC, with interactive science activities planned throughout the week during break times.

The college will also host a special community evening event, Stargaze and Discover, on Tuesday 18 August.

Open to students, families and members of the wider community, the evening will provide an opportunity to explore hands on science activities alongside CSC’s enthusiastic Stargazers group.

Further strengthening its science programs, CSC has recently been awarded a National STEM grant to support the development of a sustainable garden.



This project will provide students with opportunities to investigate and design for sustainability and food production while creating a valuable resource for the school community.

CSC’s STEM programs are built around authentic, real-world projects that make a genuine difference across the college.

Students design and create products that are used every day, including microphone cords for the music department, sets for drama productions and aquaponics systems that support learning in Food Technology.

By seeing their ideas become reality, students gain valuable practical skills while understanding how science, technology and engineering can solve everyday challenges.

Principal, Glenn Dixon, said these opportunities were a hallmark of the college’s commitment to preparing students for life beyond school.

“These successes reflect our commitment to providing students with authentic learning experiences that prepare them for future study, careers and life beyond school.”

Looking ahead, CSC is inviting expressions of interest for its 2027 Pre-Academy Program, which is designed for motivated Year 10 students demonstrating academic interest or potential in health, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The program provides accelerated learning opportunities that support students to explore and prepare for future study and career pathways.

Through academic excellence, authentic learning experiences and strong community partnerships, Casuarina Senior College continues to inspire students to explore, discover and succeed in Science.

For more information about CSC’s science programs, STEM opportunities, the Stargaze and Discover community event, or the 2027 Pre-Academy Program, contact Casuarina Senior College.