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Blast off into the world of science!

Explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) concepts through engaging, hands-on activities... and get a little messy along the way!

Macquarie University’s Junior Science Academy (JSA) provides primary school-aged children with the opportunity to explore the world of science in a fun and safe environment.

Think space, dinosaurs, explosions, medicine, rocks, robotics, coding, archaeology and much more!

Our programs align with the NSW Science and Technology Syllabus and the Australian Curriculum. Classes are relevant and age-appropriate with new courses regularly released.

Holiday program information

The April school holiday timetable is here!

Tickets go on sale Monday 18th March - the booking link will be available on this website.

View the TIMETABLE

Find the class descriptions HERE

April Program Dates

Monday 15 – Friday 26 April 2024
Classes do not run on weekends or public holidays.

Location

13 Hadenfeld Avenue, Macquarie University, North Ryde 2113 - Google Maps
Free temporary parking is available in designated areas for drop-off and pick-up of children only.

Fee information

$142 per day
The Junior Science Academy is not a registered provider for the Child Care Subsidy and no Government rebates are available.

Daily schedule

Classes begin promptly at 9:30am.

Sign in opens Classes start Classes finish Final pick up
8:30am 9:30am 4pm 5pm
What to bring
  • Lunch, morning and afternoon tea
  • Drink bottle
  • Sunscreen and hat
  • Any medication required
  • Closed-in shoes – mandatory for safety reasons
Booking for the appropriate age

Book classes based on your child's current year at school. Children must be enrolled in or enrolled to start Kindergarten in the current year to attend JSA.

Classes are designed to target specific age ranges and school grades, and following these recommendations is the best way to support your child's enjoyment.

If you would like to book outside this range, please discuss with the JSA Team first.

We are unable to accommodate a child's enrolment in a class that is more than one year outside their current school grade/age group.

Discovery Academy (previously JSA) has collaborated with the Australian Hearing Hub, Parents Of Deaf Children (PODC) and other sponsors to deliver an inclusive Discovery Academy for deaf and hard-of-hearing children. This is run biannually (January and July school holiday) at the Australian Hearing Hub, Macquarie University.

Location
Level 3, Australian Hearing Hub,
16 University Avenue,
Macquarie University, 2109.

2024 STEM Stepping Stones PL Conference

Registrations for our 2024 STEM Stepping Stones PL Conference are now open! Join our team of expert teachers for a deep dive into integrating digital technology into your science teaching. The day includes keynote address from Dr Anne Forbes from the Macquarie University School of Education, a panel discussion of practical tips and tricks for tech in the classroom and stage-specific focus groups that will build your confidence and excitement around using digital technology. Best of all, we'll send you home with four complete units of work, ready to put into action with your newfound expertise! Get all the details and register now!

School incursion & excursions

JSA staff are now bringing our programs to preschools and primary schools! All programs are aligned to the Australian curriculum and tailored for students in each stage of learning.

Preschool excursions

Our 75-minute STEM sessions can be run for preschools and early learning centres. Children can uncover the creatures of the past in our Day of the Dinosaur program, or blast off into the stars in our Space Cadets program! These sessions are run at our Macquarie University location.

For more information about our preschool program, check out our brochure. For bookings or inquiries, contact jsaschools@mq.edu.au.

Primary school incursions and excursions

From coding to chemistry, from circuits to special effects, our wide range of programs has something to suit each stage and student!

Each of our primary incursions is a full-day experience packed with hands-on investigations, with everything run in your classroom and adapted to suit your school routines.

Our excursions, run at Macquarie University, give students a full day of hands-on exploration and include a visit to exciting on-campus facilities such as the Biology Discovery Centre, Planetarium and Bush Tucker Garden.

We also offer a Sensory Science Show! This 90-minute session allows children to explore chemical reactions and matter with all five senses, and can be run at our Macquarie University location or at your school. This session is perfect for students in grades K-2 and for students with diverse learning and support needs. It can be tailored for your school, learning support unit or organisation.

For more information about our primary incursions and excursions, check out our brochure. For bookings or inquiries, contact jsaschools@mq.edu.au.

Holiday programs

All refund and cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to juniorscience@mq.edu.au

For a full (100%) refund, requests must be submitted, in writing, at least 10 business days before the scheduled class.

A 50% refund will be payable if less than 10 business days written notice is provided.

NO REFUNDS are payable for refund/cancellation requests if less than 24 hours written notice is provided.

Refunds for special consideration circumstances outside the terms above are provided at the discretion of JSA. Eligibility is assessed on circumstances and supporting documents/evidence provided.

School programs

We understand that cancellations and date changes are sometimes unavoidable. When possible, we will reschedule your booking with no additional cost, provided we are given at least three business days' notice. For rescheduling with less than three business days' notice, a fee of 50% of your quoted price will be charged.

If rescheduling is not possible, then for cancellations with less than 7 days notice, a fee of 50% of your quoted price will be charged.

For cancellations with less than 48 hours notice, a fee of 100% of your quoted price will be charged.

Campus Life is committed to the safety, wellbeing and empowerment of all children and young people engaging in our programs and to protect them from foreseeable harm.

Campus Life treats all allegations and complaints about the safety and wellbeing of children seriously and is committed to ensuring that its staff, volunteers and contractors understand the legal obligations to report child abuse and neglect to government authorities. Every Campus Life employee has a responsibility to understand the important and specific role they play, individually and collectively, to ensure that the wellbeing and safety of all children and young people are at the forefront of all they do.

Your child’s safety is of paramount importance. We undertake risk assessments and implement safe workplace practices to ensure a safe environment for all.

All of our staff have valid Working With Children Checks and we have comprehensive child protection, prevention of bullying, and behaviour management policies.

Children are supervised by First Aid and CPR certified staff at each location, and all staff are trained in the management of asthma and anaphylaxis.

We require a medically approved action plan for medical conditions, and require parents to provide written instructions on how to administer medication for their child.

We ask to see photo identification of the person picking up the child for the day. The name on the identification must match the name we have been provided on the booking form as a parent or guardian or authorised person to pick up.

Please understand that for the safety of your child we cannot let you pick up a child without evidence of identity.

JSA is committed to the welfare of children and staff in its care. Children and staff who are unwell, should not attend the Junior Science Academy. Please see the above refund and cancelation policy or contact us if you have further questions or concerns.

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