Smoothing the way for student success
Since 2007 Woodside and its joint venture participants have committed to boosting education resources in the Pilbara and improving student outcomes with programs such as the Karratha and Roebourne Education Initiative (KREI).
In 2025 more than 200 primary school students, of whom 15 were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, participated in the Student Leadership Alliance (SLA), an offshoot program of the KREI designed to develop leadership and communication skills.
Activities delivered through the SLA, including leadership days, forums and STEM expos, complemented classroom learning by building confidence and teamwork.
“These experiences equipped students with skills in communication, teamwork, resilience and decision-making, while fostering readiness for secondary school leadership roles,” said Danielle Watson, SLA Coordinator at the WA Department of Education.
Schools selected their student leaders for key events but also welcomed students aspiring to develop leadership skills in specific areas. The SLA’s collaborative approach ensured opportunities were accessible to a broad range of students, supporting their transition to secondary school and encouraging engagement in leadership roles within their communities.
“The SLA is creating a pipeline of future leaders by embedding leadership values early and connecting students with secondary school mentors,” said Ms Watson, adding: “Feedback from parents and educators confirms the program’s positive influence on student confidence and engagement.”
Parents noted improvements in confidence and maturity, while students reported learning new skills and setting personal goals.
One parent remarked: “This program has been amazing for my son's Year 6 journey and given additional meaning to his selection as a prefect at his school by his peers.”
As for the students themselves, one noted: “Being part of the Student Leadership Alliance will help me to inspire others to achieve their goals even if it is hard.”
A Faction Captain at one primary school said: “I loved the Leaders’ Day. I didn’t have a favourite activity as I liked all of it.”
Staff observed a record number of students applying for leadership positions for the following year, indicating a growing culture of student leadership and initiative. Younger students were inspired to seek out leadership opportunities, and alumni expressed a sense of belonging and readiness as they transitioned to secondary school.
SLA also strengthened educational quality through partnerships with organisations such as Pilbara Heart Horses and the Western Australian Space Science Education Centre (WASSEC). These collaborations introduced equine-assisted learning and STEM workshops, expanding access to experiential learning and fostering interest in science and technology.
