TAWARA SCHOOLS STEM

DEVELOPMENT
Innovations in Science Education
WHAT ARE THE STEM SUBJECTS?
The acronym STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. These subjects have always been a part of the educational curriculum; so, what
is different about the STEM approach? Instead of studying each “subject” in isolation, the STEM curriculum seeks to integrate learning across these areas through,
for example, project work and teamwork in an interdisciplinary and applied approach.
STEM is a growing movement in education around the world. STEM-based learning programmes are intended to increase students' interest in pursuing higher
education and careers in those fields. STEM education typically uses a newer model of blended learning that combines traditional classroom teaching with online
learning and hands-on activities. This model aims to give students the opportunity to experience different ways of learning and problem-solving.
WHY IS A STEM APPROACH TO LEARNING their interest and skills in the STEM subjects. This does not mean that girls are
channelled into the natural sciences while boys take up the majority of
IMPORTANT? computer science or physics/maths routes. The STEM subjects are for all and
may develop some of these broader skills:
The focus on the STEM subjects in the curriculum does not exclude the arts
and creative subjects because the modern world also expects learners to have  working in teams
broad skills and be “well rounded” characters. However, there are increasing  logical thought
requirements that many more jobs will require digital skills familiarity in their  critical thinking
workforce and many traditional jobs done by humans will be replaced by  problem solving
machines or AI. Currently 75 per cent of jobs in the fastest growing industries  project management
require workers with STEM skills. To be competitive, the Tawaran workforce  developing own solutions.
needs people who can adapt to a changing workplace.
This style of learning focusses on higher level thinking rather than on tests and
The continual advances in technology are changing the way our students learn, memorisation. These skills will help them to succeed in any field, even if they
connect and interact each day. STEM empowers those people with the skills to do not pursue a career directly in a STEM field of work.
succeed and adapt to the changing world.
WHY IS STEM SO IMPORTANT?
INTEGRATED STEM FOR ALL
Another reason why STEM is important is thanks to emerging opportunities in
While science subjects have been viewed in many places as the ones most organisations and industry which address the lack of ethnic and gender
suited to boys, the gender gap is narrowing as girls are encouraged to develop diversity. Events such as the Robogals Conference, hosted earlier this year at

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the University of Sussex, are designed to encourage more women and girls into OPPORTUNITIES IN THE DIGITAL WORLD OF
engineering.
WORK
ENCOURAGING GIRLS TO TAKE STEM SUBJECTS
In the UK, less than 10 percent of women make up the engineering workforce,
The STEM approach to learning starts in the primary schools where an while in the US, only around a quarter of those in STEM occupations are
integrated approach to the curriculum is well established. It is noticed that women. Similar statistics are reported across the world in male-dominated
girls’ perception of STEM subjects may begin to change about year 5 or 6. industries such as engineering and technology.
They begin to lose confidence or think that STEM is something that only boys Will the gender disparity in male-dominated industries ever
do well. This perception may continue throughout school and into higher change? The answer seems to be yes – but gradually. Helping to
studies or career choices. Alarmingly, there are many myths and speed up the process are various organisations offering
misconceptions in society about what girls do and do not do well. This could scholarships for women preparing for careers in male-
not be further from the truth. dominated industries. Often, the funding is accompanied by
Our schools aim to empower girls from an early age, challenging those myths additional support, including mentorship and special events or workshops.
and misconceptions. We plan to raise the participation of girls in the core As the world of work develops, there are few career fields that will not require
STEM subjects to realise the potential of all our pupils. some interaction with digital processes either directly or indirectly. It is vital
Current participation of our year 10 in these subjects that everyone prepares for this new world of work, whether through a
familiarity with ICT or more specialised subjects such as computer science and
Subject Girls (% of year group) Boys (% of year group) the use of technology in a vast range of study subjects. No one should get left
Maths 50 90 out through lack of choice or opportunity.
Physics 10 80
Biology 50 40 MOVING INTO WORK OR HIGHER EDUCATION
Chemistry 10 80
Design Technology 15 45 The broad, integrated approach to learning provided through a STEM
Computer Science 5 75 curriculum will prepare young people for many paths in life. These may
ICT 90 25 include apprenticeships giving practical, on-the-job learning and skills
development. Alternatively, there are many routes through higher education in
We show them that their participation and success in STEM can help them to the vast range of subjects open for study at undergraduate or post graduate
change the world. levels. Look them up – you may be amazed at the career paths you could
While girls appear to think they are less good at maths than boys, their choose.
performance in year 9 is shown to be as good as, if not better, than boys. It is a
matter of perception and confidence that needs to be boosted.
There are more and more examples of women excelling in scientific life today;
in astronomy and space exploration, in molecular research and medical
science. Your students can research some of these distinguished female
scientists. They may also study women working in everyday science related
roles.

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