About & FAQs
What it means to inspire the next generation of Kiwi innovators and answers to frequently asked questions.
The next generation
School-gen aims to engage young New Zealanders in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths while learning about energy. We're big on encouraging the next generation of energy innovators by helping them build skills and knowledge they need for jobs of the future.
Our History
Genesis School-gen has been helping New Zealand schools for more than 16 years. Initially the focus was solar energy and powering schools with solar panels. During this phase more than 90 schools received solar panels and equipment.
Since 2018, School-gen broadened its focus to develop a programme to reach all schools.
The aim? Provide educators with accessible resources to deliver engaging STEM education with confidence – and to do our part to address STEM inequities.
Here’s what teachers have to say about our programme.
“I struggle for ideas for STEM lessons so I was stoked when I came across the School-gen resources starting from Level 1. The literacy fanatic in me loves the e-books in te reo Māori that can be used as an introduction to topics on sustainability and renewable energy.” Hannah Young – Primary school teacher
“The future of learning is changing quickly, so the fact that the School-gen programme is always growing and developing their resources to meet the needs of our kaiako and tamariki is very much appreciated at our kura.” Lou Reddy – NZ primary school principal.
Powered by Genesis
School-gen is a community initiative fully funded by Genesis. We recognise the need to ensure the next generation of Aotearoa has the passion and STEM skills to lead us into a more sustainable future. Not all teachers have expertise in STEM-related subjects and that’s where we help.
We hope to aid schools by engaging tamariki while tackling STEM inequity, so we can contribute to a more STEM-literate society.
“The important thing with STEM education lies in inspiring ambition and sparking curiosity. We need to be focused on unlocking future potential and developing the skills and confidence in the next generation.” Malcolm Johns – Genesis CEO
Frequently asked questions
The School-gen programme kicked off in 2006 and was initially focused on teaching around solar energy. Since 2018, the programme has broadened its focus to encourage students to engage with science, technology, engineering and maths through learning about sustainability and energy.
It’s easy to get hold of us – our contact details are on the Contact Page and you can send us a message from there too.
School-gen is a Genesis community initiative – it’s our way of giving back, so all the resources are free to use for educational and non-commercial use. If you are wanting to re-purpose, copy and or distribute them please get in touch with us first and you can always check out our Terms of Use.
School-gen does its best to link all the material to the current New Zealand curriculum. Note that the resources have been developed with the support of qualified teachers.
Anyone – kids, parents, teachers. The idea is to encourage an interest in science, technology, engineering and maths through learning cool stuff about energy – how it’s generated, how it can be used, and how to manage it. We have linked many of the activities to the curriculum so that they are useful for teachers, but don’t let that stop you dipping in and having fun with the hands on maker projects.
