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 IMPORTANT?
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 broad
skills and be “well rounded” characters. However, there are increasing requirements that many more jobs will require digital skills familiarity in their workforce and
many traditional jobs done by humans will be replaced by machines or AI. Currently 75 per cent of jobs in the fastest growing industries require workers with STEM
skills. To be competitive, the Tawaran workforce needs people who can adapt to a changing workplace.
The continual advances in technology are changing the way our students learn, connect and interact each day. STEM empowers those people with the skills to
succeed and adapt to the changing world.
INTEGRATED STEM FOR ALL
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 are channelled into the natural sciences while boys take up the majority of computer science or
physics/maths routes. The STEM subjects are for all and may develop some of these broader skills:
 working in teams
 logical thought
 critical thinking
 problem solving
 project management
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  developing own solutions.
This style of learning focusses on higher level thinking rather than on tests and memorisation. These skills will help them to succeed in any field, even if they do not
pursue a career directly in a STEM field of work.
WHY IS STEM SO IMPORTANT? We show them that their participation and success in STEM can help them to
change the world.
Another reason why STEM is important is thanks to emerging opportunities in
While girls appear to think they are less good at maths than boys, their
organisations and industry which address the lack of ethnic and gender
performance in year 9 is shown to be as good as, if not better, than boys. It is a
diversity. Events such as the Robogals Conference, hosted earlier this year at
matter of perception and confidence that needs to be boosted.
the University of Sussex, are designed to encourage more women and girls into
engineering. There are more and more examples of women excelling in scientific life today;
in astronomy and space exploration, in molecular research and medical
ENCOURAGING GIRLS TO TAKE STEM SUBJECTS science. Your students can research some of these distinguished female
scientists. They may also study women working in everyday science related
The STEM approach to learning starts in the primary schools where an
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. OPPORTUNITIES IN THE DIGITAL WORLD OF
They begin to lose confidence or think that STEM is something that only boys
do well. This perception may continue throughout school and into higher
WORK
studies or career choices. Alarmingly, there are many myths and In the UK, less than 10 percent of women make up the engineering workforce,
misconceptions in society about what girls do and do not do well. This could while in the US, only around a quarter of those in STEM occupations are
not be further from the truth. women. Similar statistics are reported across the world in male-dominated
Our schools aim to empower girls from an early age, challenging those myths industries such as engineering and technology.
and misconceptions. We plan to raise the participation of girls in the core Will the gender disparity in male-dominated industries ever
STEM subjects to realise the potential of all our pupils. change? The answer seems to be yes – but gradually. Helping to
Current participation of our year 10 in these subjects speed up the process are various organisations offering
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
Maths 50 90 additional support, including mentorship and special events or workshops.
Physics 10 80
As the world of work develops, there are few career fields that will not require
Biology 50 40
some interaction with digital processes either directly or indirectly. It is vital
Chemistry 10 80
that everyone prepares for this new world of work, whether through a
Design Technology 15 45
familiarity with ICT or more specialised subjects such as computer science and
Computer Science 5 75
the use of technology in a vast range of study subjects. No one should get left
ICT 90 25 out through lack of choice or opportunity.
MOVING INTO WORK OR HIGHER EDUCATION

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The broad, integrated approach to learning provided through a STEM the vast range of subjects open for study at undergraduate or post graduate
curriculum will prepare young people for many paths in life. These may levels. Look them up – you may be amazed at the career paths you could
include apprenticeships giving practical, on-the-job learning and skills choose.
development. Alternatively, there are many routes through higher education in

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