Case Study: How the MaxIQ Space STEM Program Transformed Soneike High School
In 2017, MaxIQ Space began its first engagement with Soneike High School, introducing the Space STEM program to a community that was searching for innovative ways to reignite interest in maths and science. What began as an experiment in hands-on learning has since evolved into a powerful case study on how space-inspired STEM education can transform an entire school culture.
From Concern to Curiosity
At the time, Soneike High was facing a serious challenge. Maths and science enrolments were dwindling, and performance levels were declining. The school leadership team recognised that extra lessons alone wouldn’t solve the problem — they needed to inspire curiosity and connect learning to real-world relevance.
“Our learners were seriously underperforming,” one teacher recalled. “We couldn’t play the blame game. Once a child walks through the gate, it becomes our responsibility to improve that child’s understanding of maths and science — and to help them become better achievers.”
The MaxIQ Space program brought with it a fresh approach: project-based learning through satellite design, coding, electronics, and data analysis. By engaging learners in authentic experiments — collecting data from sensors, analysing environmental conditions, and understanding the physics of flight — maths and science came alive.
Building a Culture of Aspiration
The school’s transformation was not only academic but cultural. As learners became immersed in coding, electronics, and space science, attendance improved, engagement deepened, and a visible sense of pride spread through the corridors.
“Kids come around asking, ‘When is the next meeting? When are we going out? When are we going to do stargazing?’” said one teacher. “It’s easier for me to commit resources now because I know I have the kind of learner who wants to be part of it. The excitement level is much higher — for many, coming to school is now a pleasure.”
Students described their experiences with enthusiasm and a new sense of identity.
“I feel excited and happy because I’ve learned so much,” said one learner. “It’s amazing — every time there’s a new program, you learn something new. It’s encouraged me to follow my dream to become a scientist and study physics.”
Linking Knowledge to Life
Soneike High didn’t stop at classroom activities. The leadership recognised that STEM is most powerful when connected to community relevance. Out of the MaxIQ Space program grew an agriculture and sustainability project, linking science to food production and health.
“Children come from places where it’s hard to learn,” explained the principal. “So we broaden their concept of the world. Our agriculture project flows from the maths and science project — it teaches learners the relationship between nature, plants, and health. It’s a broad-based way of educating children.”
This holistic approach reflects the school’s ethos: once a learner enters the school gate, they become part of a shared responsibility.
“Once a child walks through the gate, it’s my child — whether from an informal settlement or an affluent home. What we create on the ground is for our children.”
Lasting Impact
The MaxIQ Space STEM program helped redefine what success looks like for Soneike High. Enrolment grew, academic confidence returned, and the school developed a reputation as a centre of innovation in the community. What began in temporary prefab buildings has become a symbol of growth, vision, and hope.
“Brick and mortar doesn’t create a vision,” said the principal. “The child needs to understand that once you walk into this space, you can use it to better yourself — to build your future. Those dreams, we cherish.”
Soneike High stands today as proof that when learners connect science to purpose, transformation follows. Through the MaxIQ Space STEM program, students discovered not only coding, data, and technology — but also belief in their own potential to reach higher.