A total of 60 primary students and 15 primary classroom teachers and their class students from State and non-State schools participated in the 6th edition of the Primary STEM Challenge – a STEM initiative for primary students in Year 3 to Year 6. Participants explored one of three engaging themes namely, Nature, Colours, or Sound through a hands-on engaging investigation while nurturing 21st century skills – critical thinking, creativity, communication and collaboration.
All Primary STEM Challenge participants were given the opportunity to present their investigation during the Primary Science Fair held on Thursday 15th May 2025 at the STEM & VET Curriculum Hub, Pembroke. The participants interacted enthusiastically with the students and educators visiting the fair and presented their investigations creatively. Classroom participants were also given the opportunity to briefly share their experience during the award ceremony that followed. The Primary STEM Challenge participants were invited to take part in the Great Science Share for Schools, an award-winning campaign inspiring 5–14-year-olds to ask, investigate and share scientific questions that matter to them.
Congratulations to the winners of the Primary STEM Challenge 2025!
Following submission of final product for the Primary STEM Challenge, all entries have been adjudicated by a panel of professionals. The Directorate for STEM & VET Programmes awards prizes as follows:
Theme 1: Nature
1st prize: Emilie Calleja (Year 4), St Ignatius College, Siggiewi Primary
2nd prize: Elisa Marie Agius (Year 6), Gozo College, Sannat Primary School & Special Unit
3rd prize: Zack Camilleri (Year 4), St Ignatius College, Siggiewi Primary
Theme 2: Colours
1st prize: Lia Abela (Year 4), Gozo College, Sannat Primary School & Special Unit
2nd prize: Kate Camilleri (Year 6), St Francis School, Victoria Gozo
3rd prize: Julia Lenzo (Year 6), Gozo College, Sannat Primary School & Special Unit
Theme 3: Sound
1st prize: Christopher Pisani (Year 5), Gozo College, Sannat Primary School & Special Unit
2nd prize: Francesco Cefai (Year 6), Gozo College, Sannat Primary School & Special Unit
3rd prize: Samara Cefai (Year 4), Gozo College, Sannat Primary School & Special Unit
Classroom Award
Ms Maria Victoria Azzopardi, Year 5, San Gorg Preca College, Hamrun SS Primary – Theme chosen: Colours
Each winner will receive vouchers while the Classroom Award comprises €150 worth of science resources, both kindly supported by the HSBC Malta Foundation.
Esplora Interactive Science Centre is awarding the Science Communication Award prize to the following participants for each theme.
Science Communication Award Theme 1: Nature
Beppe Camilleri (Year 4), St Francis School, Gozo
Science Communication Award Theme 2: Colours
Kate Camilleri (Year 6), St Francis School, Gozo
Science Communication Award Theme 3: Sound
Christopher Pisani (Year 5), Gozo College, Sannat Primary School & Special Unit
Winners received science kits and two books for the Science Communication Award prize.
Ms Isabel Zerafa, Education Officer, Primary Science presented a certificate of participation to all participants during the award ceremony held at the STEM & VET Curriculum Hub, Pembroke on Thursday 15th May 2025. Mr Emanuel Schembri, on behalf of the HSBC Malta Foundation, presented the winning participants voucher awards provided by HSBC Malta Foundation. Mr Des Zerafa Cini, Education Programme and Content Developer on behalf of Esplora presented the winners of the Science Communication Award science kits and books. Ms. Melanie Casha Sammut, Director STEM & VET Programmes, concluded the award ceremony by expressing gratitude to everyone involved and emphasizing the vital role of curiosity and inquiry.
Thank you to the HSBC Malta Foundation and Esplora for supporting the Primary STEM Challenge initiative. Heartfelt thanks to all participants, educators and parents/guardians for encouraging and supporting the students in this STEM initiative.
