Cranleigh School support students from Kindergarten to Year 6 with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities. Community Planting at Cranleigh School will be a National Science Week event designed to bring together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and their families, for a hands-on celebration of Seeds of Science. Students will learn about the cultural significance, ecological roles, and scientific properties of native plants through an inclusive community event based upon connection, story sharing and hands on planting. Families will work together to plant native species in a designated community or school area, creating a living space that supports biodiversity and strengthens connection to Country. This event fosters intergenerational learning, strengthens cultural identity, and encourages Indigenous student engagement in STEM. By combining cultural knowledge with contemporary environmental science, Community Planting at Cranleigh School creates a meaningful, lasting contribution to both community wellbeing and local ecosystems.

Funding will allow the school to create a high quality, culturally led STEM experience that becomes a foundation for ongoing engagement. The grant will support the purchase of Indigenous plants, soil and materials, and educational resources that can be used throughout the year. The planted area becomes a living outdoor classroom where students can continue to study growth, seasonal change, ecosystems, and sustainability. By embedding Indigenous knowledge and community leadership, the event builds trust, relevance, and pride, all key factors in improving long term STEM participation for all students, in particular Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The positive experience of learning science with family and community increases students’ motivation to join future STEM programs, clubs, and projects. The grant transforms a single event into a lasting, culturally meaningful STEM pathway.