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 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 computer
IMPORTANT? science or physics/maths routes. The STEM subjects are for all and may develop
The focus on the STEM subjects in the curriculum does not exclude the arts and some of these broader skills:
creative subjects because the modern world also expects learners to have broad
 working in teams
skills and be “well rounded” characters. However, there are increasing
requirements that many more jobs will require digital skills familiarity in their  logical thought
workforce and many traditional jobs done by humans will be replaced by  critical thinking
machines or AI. Currently 75 per cent of jobs in the fastest growing industries
require workers with STEM skills. To be competitive, the Tawara workforce  problem solving
needs people who can adapt to a changing workplace.  project management
The continual advances in technology are changing the way our students learn,  developing own solutions.
connect and interact each day. STEM empowers those people with the skills to
This style of learning focusses on higher level thinking rather than on tests and
succeed and adapt to the changing world.
memorisation. These skills will help them to succeed in any field, even if they
INTEGRATED STEM FOR ALL do not pursue a career directly in a STEM field of work.

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

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 Computer 5 75
Science
ICT 90 25
WHY IS STEM SO IMPORTANT?
We show them that their participation and success in STEM can help them to
Another reason why STEM is important is thanks to emerging opportunities in change the world.
organisations and industry which address the lack of ethnic and gender diversity.
While girls appear to think they are less good at maths than boys, their
Events such as the Robocalls Conference, hosted earlier this year at the
performance in year 9 is shown to be as good as, if not better, than boys. It is a
University of Sussex, are designed to encourage more women and girls into
matter of perception and confidence that needs to be boosted.
engineering.
There are more and more examples of women excelling in scientific life today;
ENCOURAGING GIRLS TO TAKE STEM SUBJECTS in astronomy and space exploration, in molecular research and medical science.
Your students can research some of these distinguished female scientists. They
The STEM approach to learning starts in the primary schools where an
may also study women working in everyday science related roles.
integrated approach to the curriculum is well established. It is noticed that girls’
perception of STEM subjects may begin to change about year 5 or 6. They begin OPPORTUNITIES IN THE DIGITAL WORLD OF
to lose confidence or think that STEM is something that only boys do well. This
perception may continue throughout school and into higher studies or career
WORK
choices. Alarmingly, there are many myths and misconceptions in society about In the UK, less than 10 percent of women make up the engineering workforce,
what girls do and do not do well. This could not be further from the truth. while in the US, only around a quarter of those in STEM occupations are women.
Our schools aim to empower girls from an early age, challenging those myths Similar statistics are reported across the world in male-dominated industries
and misconceptions. We plan to raise the participation of girls in the core STEM such as engineering and technology.
subjects to realise the potential of all our pupils. Will the gender disparity in male-dominated industries ever
Current participation of our year 10 in these subjects change? The answer seems to be yes – but gradually. Helping to
speed up the process are various organisations offering
Subject Girls (% of year Boys (% of year scholarships for women preparing for careers in male-dominated
industries. Often, the funding is accompanied by additional
group) group)
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 familiarity
Biology 50 40 with ICT or more specialised subjects such as computer science and the use of
Chemistry 10 80 technology in a vast range of study subjects. No one should get left out through
lack of choice or opportunity.
Design 15 45
Technology MOVING INTO WORK OR HIGHER EDUCATION

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The broad, integrated approach to learning provided through a STEM
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 the vast range
of subjects open for study at undergraduate or post graduate levels. Look them
up – you may be amazed at the career paths you could choose.

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