Murrumbidgee Regional High School are hosting the pilot, and students will enjoy a combination of learning text based coding and simple electronics.

Ian Preston, Deputy Principal of the Virtual STEM Academy said that the Academy was designed to provide the best and brightest students with online access to STEM enrichment and extension programs through an innovation virtual platform.

"It aims to inspire a passion and aspiration for STEM through innovation, enriching opportunities and transformational partnerships" Mr Preston said.

"The program also enables students to connect virtually and solve global, national and local STEM challenges while developing 21^st century skills of collaboration, communication, critical thinking and creativity."

Jordan Von Einem and Samantha Gadsden from Griffith Public School were chosen by their classroom teachers to take part due to their interest in STEM and collaborative learning skills.

"I really enjoy coding and can't wait to learn more IT skills through the program" Miss Gadsden said.

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Sophie Webb from Griffith North Public School said that she was excited to learn how to build a working controller for a robot by using a programming chip whilst her classmate Daniel Mitchell said he was excited to learn a variety of new STEM related skills.

"We are hoping to learn how to build and use things we wouldn't have been able to before" Miss Webb said.

"We also look forward to possibly in the future building and programming something from scratch" Mr Mitchell said.

After participating in a version of the program in 2020, Tharbogang Public School Principal Cheryle Glyde called the experience a 'fantastic learning opportunity' for the student participants.

"All of the students get so motivated and inspired by all of the STEM activities they are able to undertake and it's a great way to connect with like minded kids in the community before heading off to High School" Mrs Glyde said.

Both Jaxon Ison and Benji Savage from Tharbogang said that they were most excited to learning how to build things from scratch and learn how to program.

Presley Young and Elise Harris from Griffith East Public School called their first lesson 'unique and original'.

"I am excited to learn how to code in various ways" Mr Young said.

"The virtual classroom really replicated real life, you could even move around!" said Miss Harris.

According to Mr Preston, these select students were the only ones in NSW to be participating in the program.

"This inaugural class are the first of many who will start at the Academy in the coming months" Mr Preston said.

"It is very exciting."

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