INTEGRATED STEM FOR ALL

Tawara Schools While science subjects have been viewed in many places as the ones most
suited to boys, the gender gap is narrowing as girls are encouraged to develop
their interest and skills in the STEM subjects. This does not mean that girls

STEM Development are channelled into the natural sciences while boys take up most of the
computer science or physics/maths routes. The STEM subjects are for all and
may develop some of these broader skills:
Innovations in Science Education ▪ working in teams
▪ logical thought
WHAT ARE THE STEM SUBJECTS? ▪ critical thinking
▪ problem solving
The acronym STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and
▪ project management
Mathematics. These subjects have always been a part of the educational
▪ developing own solutions.
curriculum; so, what is different about the STEM approach? Instead of
studying each “subject” in isolation, the STEM curriculum seeks to integrate This style of learning focusses on higher level thinking rather than on tests
learning across these areas through, for example, project work and teamwork and memorisation. These skills will help them to succeed in any field, even if
in an interdisciplinary and applied approach. they do not pursue a career directly in a STEM field of work.
STEM is a growing movement in education around the world. STEM-based WHY IS STEM SO IMPORTANT?
learning programmes are intended to increase students' interest in pursuing Another reason why STEM is important is thanks to emerging opportunities in
higher education and careers in those fields. STEM education typically uses a organisations and industry which address the lack of ethnic and gender
newer model of blended learning that combines traditional classroom teaching diversity. Events such as the Rob gals Conference, hosted earlier this year at
with online learning and hands-on activities. This model aims to give students the University of Sussex, are designed to encourage more women and girls
the opportunity to experience different ways of learning and problem-solving. into engineering.
WHY IS A STEM APPROACH TO LEARNING Encouraging girls to take STEM
IMPORTANT?
The focus on the STEM subjects in the curriculum does not exclude the arts subjects
and creative subjects because the modern world also expects learners to have The STEM approach to learning starts in the primary schools where an
broad skills and be “well rounded” characters. However, there are increasing integrated approach to the curriculum is well established. It is noticed that
requirements that many more jobs will require digital skills familiarity in their girls’ perception of STEM subjects may begin to change about year 5 or 6.
workforce and many traditional jobs done by humans will be replaced by They begin to lose confidence or think that STEM is something that only boys
machines or AI. Currently 75 per cent of jobs in the fastest growing industries do well. This perception may continue throughout school and into higher
require workers with STEM skills. To be competitive, the Tawara workforce studies or career choices. Alarmingly, there are many myths and
needs people who can adapt to a changing workplace. misconceptions in society about what girls do and do not do well. This could
The continual advances in technology are changing the way our students not be further from the truth.
learn, connect and interact each day. STEM empowers those people with the
skills to succeed and adapt to the changing world.
1 Eunice Yap Khai Xing City of Light Academy
Our schools aim to empower girls from an early age, challenging those myths Will the gender disparity in male-dominated industries ever
and misconceptions. We plan to raise the participation of girls in the core change? The answer seems to be yes – but gradually. Helping
STEM subjects to realise the potential of all our pupils. to speed up the process are various organisations offering
Current participation of our year 10 in these subjects scholarships for women preparing for careers in male-
Subject Girls (% of year group) Boys (% of year group) dominated industries. Often, the funding is accompanied by
additional support, including mentorship and special events or workshops.
Maths 50 90 As the world of work develops, there are few career fields that will not require
Physics 10 80 some interaction with digital processes either directly or indirectly. It is vital
that everyone prepares for this new world of work, whether through a
Biology 50 40 familiarity with ICT or more specialised subjects such as computer science
Chemistry 10 80 and the use of technology in a vast range of study subjects. No one should get
left out through lack of choice or opportunity.
Design Technology 15 45
MOVING INTO WORK OR HIGHER EDUCATION
Computer Science 5 75 The broad, integrated approach to learning provided through a STEM
ICT 90 25 curriculum will prepare young people for many paths in life. These may
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.
OPPORTUNITIES IN THE DIGITAL WORLD OF
WORK
In the UK, less than 10 percent of women make up the engineering workforce,
while in the US, only around a quarter of those in STEM occupations are
women. Similar statistics are reported across the world in male-dominated
industries such as engineering and technology.

2 Eunice Yap Khai Xing City of Light Academy