Tawara Schools STEM Development
Innovation 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 working in teams
IMPORTANT? logical thought
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
critical thinking
broad skills and be “well rounded” characters. However, there are increasing problem solving
requirements that many more jobs will require digital skills familiarity in their
workforce and many traditional jobs done by humans will be replaced by project management
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 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
their interest and skills in the STEM subjects. This does not mean that girls are the University of Sussex, are designed to encourage more women and girls into
channelled into the natural sciences while boys take up the majority of engineering.
computer science or physics/maths routes. The STEM subjects are for all and
may develop some of these broader skills:
ENCOURAGING GIRLS TO TAKE STEM SUBJECTS
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The STEM approach to learning starts in the primary schools where an While girls appear to think they are less good at maths than boys, their
integrated approach to the curriculum is well established. It is noticed that performance in year 9 is shown to be as good as, if not better, than boys. It is a
girls’ perception of STEM subjects may begin to change about year 5 or 6. matter of perception and confidence that needs to be boosted.
They begin to lose confidence or think that STEM is something that only boys
There are more and more examples of women excelling in scientific life today;
do well. This perception may continue throughout school and into higher
in astronomy and space exploration, in molecular research and medical
studies or career choices. Alarmingly, there are many myths and
science. Your students can research some of these distinguished female
misconceptions in society about what girls do and do not do well. This could
scientists. They may also study women working in everyday science related
not be further from the truth.
roles.
Our schools aim to empower girls from an early age, challenging those myths
and misconceptions. We plan to raise the participation of girls in the core OPPORTUNITIES IN THE DIGITAL WORLD OF
STEM subjects to realise the potential of all our pupils. WORK
Current participation of our year 10 in these subjects 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
Subject Girls (% of Boys (% of women. Similar statistics are reported across the world in male-dominated
year year group) industries such as engineering and technology.
group) Will the gender disparity in male-dominated industries ever
Maths 50 90 change? The answer seems to be yes – but gradually. Helping to
speed up the process are various organisations offering
Physics 10 80 scholarships for women preparing for careers in male-
dominated industries. Often, the funding is accompanied by
Biology 60 40 additional support, including mentorship and special events or workshops.
Chemistry 10 80 As the world of work develops, there are few career fields that will not require
some interaction with digital processes either directly or indirectly. It is vital
Design 15 45 that everyone prepares for this new world of work, whether through a
Technolog familiarity with ICT or more specialised subjects such as computer science and
the use of technology in a vast range of study subjects. No one should get left
y out through lack of choice or opportunity.
Computer 5 75 MOVING INTO WORK OR HIGHER EDUCATION
Science
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
We show them that their participation and success in STEM can help them to development. Alternatively, there are many routes through higher education in
change the world. the vast range of subjects open for study at undergraduate or post graduate
2 Zaw Wann Naing Year-10D
levels. Look them up – you may be amazed at the career paths you could
choose.
3 Zaw Wann Naing Year-10D
