Students at St Joseph’s College, Banora Point, take to the sky.

Year 7 & 8 students at St Joseph’s College, Banora Point, become geospatial scientists and explore applications of drone technology in an exciting and innovative real-world experience. (1 July 2022)

St Joseph’s College, Banora Point, Year 7 & 8, were provided with a wonderful opportunity to gain real-world experience using state-of-the-art drone technology.

The Catholic Schools Office has partnered with She Maps, an organisation that aims to increase STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects in schools, and the University of Southern Queensland on a project highlighting STEM opportunities to students. 

This exciting project started with teachers gaining firsthand experience in using drones and exploring new ways to link learning experiences to the curriculum. 

Next, She Maps along with Surf Life Saving NSW’s Australian UAV Service Team facilitated a  Classroom Drone Essential Course with excited students. After learning to fly and code drones, the students became geospatial scientists for the day and received their junior drone pilot licence. 

During the sessions, the students were taught the rules and regulations for safe flying and then experienced being the pilot, the co-pilot and the observer whilst flying the drones. This brilliant initiative provides students with hands-on experience for potential career pathways in the drone industry. 

‘The drone course was great for expanding my technology and coding knowledge and skills. It gave me the opportunity to explore drone occupations in a fun and safe environment. I experimented with my coding, measurement and direction skills. Learning with the Surf Lifesavers was a truly great experience,’ said Year 7 student Hailey.

‘I enjoyed the coding, flipping the drone, and making my drone fly a path around the map. I learnt that if you don’t get the coding perfect, you can learn and improve it next time. I also enjoyed pairing up with other students and using all our skills to perfectly land the drone safely,’ said Year 7 student Lalita.

‘I really enjoyed learning how to fly a drone using coding. I think it would be an interesting job to use a drone to search for things and map out areas. I hope we get to do something like this again,’ said Year 7 student Scarlett. 

‘We are really excited to start using drone technology as a tool to enhance teaching and learning, and support innovative pedagogy at St Joseph’s College,’ said Leader of Learning Technologies, Georgia James. 

Secondary schools involved in this project in 2022 are St John Paul College, Coffs Harbour, MacKillop College, Port Macquarie, McAuley Catholic College, Grafton, and Xavier Catholic College, Ballina.