Stop motion poised to speed up STEM engagement in 2016

The program, which introduces students from disadvantaged primary schools and high schools to film production and editing techniques, partnered with nine schools including Fairfield Public School and Condell Park High School in 2015.

Primary school students were given a term to work on their project while high school students took part in a single day challenge to produce a short animation, with the finished works being unveiled to students, parents and teachers last week at a special on-campus showcase.

"Seeing their work on the 'big screen' was very enjoyable and valuable as it brought the whole program together," said a teacher.

"It allowed students to see what other schools were doing, prompting questions and inquiry."

Teachers also credited the program with encouraging collaboration between students and exposing students to visual literacy, something which continued on showcase day as Sydney College of the Arts lecturer, Jack McGrath, gave students' a lesson on green screen technology.

These media skills will be further enhanced in 2016 with the Department of Media and Communications joining Compass and Sydney College of Arts in the program.

Director of Social Inclusion Annette Cairnduff said Compass was looking forward to making STEM the foundation of the Film Production and Stop Motion Editing program in 2016.

"STEM subjects are not viewed as creative despite the fact that they are all about innovation and invention," Ms Cairnduff said.

"We hope that by encouraging students to put STEM in the centre of their animations we can inspire them to see science, technology, engineering and maths differently."