Produced by: Haider Ali Shah , BS Nursing, 110
Tawara Schools STEM Development
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? working in teams
The focus on the STEM subjects in the curriculum does not exclude the arts logical thought
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
requirements that many more jobs will require digital skills familiarity in problem solving
their workforce and many traditional jobs done by humans will be replaced project management
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 developing own solutions.
workforce needs people who can adapt to a changing workplace. This style of learning focusses on higher level thinking rather than on tests
The continual advances in technology are changing the way our students and memorisation. These skills will help them to succeed in any field, even if
learn, connect and interact each day. STEM empowers those people with the they do not pursue a career directly in a STEM field of work.
skills to 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
While science subjects have been viewed in many places as the ones most in 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 the University of Sussex, are designed to encourage more women and girls
are channelled into the natural sciences while boys take up the majority of into engineering.
computer science or physics/maths routes. The STEM subjects are for all and
may develop some of these broader skills:
Produced by: Haider Ali Shah , BS Nursing, 110
Encouraging girls to take STEM subjects While girls appear to think they are less good at maths than boys, their
performance in year 9 is shown to be as good as, if not better, than boys. It is
The STEM approach to learning starts in the primary schools where an a matter of perception and confidence that needs to be boosted.
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. There are more and more examples of women excelling in scientific life
They begin to lose confidence or think that STEM is something that only today; in astronomy and space exploration, in molecular research and
boys do well. This perception may continue throughout school and into medical science. Your students can research some of these distinguished
higher studies or career choices. Alarmingly, there are many myths and female scientists. They may also study women working in everyday science
misconceptions in society about what girls do and do not do well. This could related roles.
not be further from the truth. Opportunities in the digital world of work
Our schools aim to empower girls from an early age, challenging those myths
In the UK, less than 10 percent of women make up the engineering
and misconceptions. We plan to raise the participation of girls in the core
workforce, while in the US, only around a quarter of those in STEM
STEM subjects to realise the potential of all our pupils.
occupations are women. Similar statistics are reported across the world in
Current participation of our year 10 in these subjects male-dominated industries such as engineering and technology.
Subject Girls (% of year Boys (% of year group) Will the gender disparity in male-dominated industries ever change? The
group) answer seems to be yes – but gradually. Helping to speed up the process are
various organisations offering scholarships for women preparing for careers
Maths 50 90 in male-dominated industries. Often, the funding is accompanied by
Physics 10 80 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
Design Technology 15 45 is vital that everyone prepares for this new world of work, whether through a
Computer Science 5 75 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
ICT 90 25 left out through lack of choice or opportunity.
We show them that their participation and success in STEM can help them to
change the world.
Moving into work or higher education
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.
Produced by: Haider Ali Shah , BS Nursing, 110
Produced by: Haider Ali Shah , BS Nursing, 110
Produced by: Haider Ali Shah , BS Nursing, 110
Produced by: Haider Ali Shah , BS Nursing, 110
Produced by: Haider Ali Shah , BS Nursing, 110
Produced by: Haider Ali Shah , BS Nursing, 110
Produced by: Haider Ali Shah , BS Nursing, 110
