CURRICULUM

STEM

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

WHAT IS STEM?

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) is an over-arching approach to teaching that increases student interest in STEM-related fields and improves students’ problem-solving and critical analysis skills. St Patrick’s College for Girls has a long tradition of cross-disciplinary programs of study, and STEM continues to have a strong focus in the curriculum. This focus aligns to Australia’s National STEM school Education Strategy that sets two key goals for STEM education:

  • Goal 1: Ensure all students finish school with strong foundational knowledge in STEM and related skills
  • Goal 2: Ensure that students are inspired to take on more challenging STEM subjects

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HOW IS STEM ED IMPLEMENTED?

St Patrick’s College sets high expectations for all students to engage with STEM subjects. Science and mathematics are a mandatory components of the curriculum from Years 7 to 10 and are selected as elective subjects in Years 11 and 12. Technology is compulsory in Years 7 and 8 and is selected as an elective subject in Years 9 to 12.

St Patrick’s College strives to create a school culture where STEM is recognised and valued. This is important because employment in professional, scientific and technical services are predicted to increase. Research has highlighted inequities that currently exist in STEM. Girls, students from low socio-economic status backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, and students from non-metropolitan areas can be less likely to engage with STEM education and therefore have a higher risk of not developing high capabilities in STEM-related skills.

The College exposes students to a range of career options and information to help increase STEM aspirations and engagement. This is achieved through

  • Cross-curricular units of work that apply STEM-related skills in developing real-worldtask-based projects
  • Careers information sessions
  • STEM enrichment days
  • Science acceleration opportunities
  • Engagement with STEM industry and university partners
  • Passion Project opportunities through the Scholastica enrichment program
  • Digital leadership programs such as the extra-curricular Tech Angels groups that incorporate STEM club, Code club and Design club projects.

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PAST STEM ED INITIATIVES

  • The appointment of a STEM professional learning team
  • An integrated curriculum in several subjects across Years 8 and 9.
  • Year 7 Project Based Learning (PBL)day (T2)
  • Year 8 Day of STEM (T2 Week 9) Robotics focus
  • Year 9 Science Fair (Next Gen) Engineering focus
  • Year 9 Day of STEM (T2 Week 2) Engineering focus
  • All years – digital leadership co-curricular Tech Angels and Bio-Box teams .STEM club, Code club and Design club projects – All terms
  • All years – BioBox and digital photography opportunities
  • Years 7 – 9 Scholastica projects
  • Primary school Girls in STEM challenge day (Term 3)

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