KUALA TERENGGANU: Preparing for a national STEM competition prompted 37 pupils and seven teachers from SK Khir Johari to travel more than 400km from Sungai Petani, Kedah, to Kuala Terengganu.
The three-day, two-night educational trip exposed the pupils to learning opportunities beyond the classroom, including a visit to Pusat Sains dan Kreativiti Terengganu (PSKT).
The pupils are preparing for the Walnut EduTech Championship (WEC 2026) in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, on Sept 26. The visit to PSKT helped reinforce their understanding of STEM through practical activities.
Teacher Sheikh Mohd Faisol Sheikh Fauzi said PSKT’s practical approach complemented classroom learning and gave pupils a clearer understanding of STEM concepts.
“The approach here is more practical and suitable for school pupils. They can see and experience things for themselves, giving them a clearer understanding of the concepts they have learnt.
“This is particularly useful for pupils preparing for the national-level STEM competition,” said Sheikh Mohd Faisol, who teaches Mandarin.
He said the centre’s facilities made it convenient for the school to bring a large group of pupils from out of state by chartered bus.
PSKT chief executive officer Mohd Huzairil Nizam Ibrahim said the school’s willingness to travel such a distance during the school term reflected its commitment to STEM education.
“Most visitors from outside Terengganu come during the school holidays. This is different because we are receiving a school group during the school term, and they have travelled from Sungai Petani,” he said.
“The credit should go to the school and pupils for making the effort. Their visit is not just about coming to PSKT, but also gaining experience to support their competition preparations.”
