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 computer science or physics/maths routes. The STEM subjects are for all and
may develop some of these broader skills:
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  problem solving
requirements that many more jobs will require digital skills familiarity in their  project management
workforce and many traditional jobs done by humans will be replaced by  developing own solutions.
machines or AI. Currently 75 per cent of jobs in the fastest growing industries This style of learning focusses on higher level thinking rather than on tests and
require workers with STEM skills. To be competitive, the Tawaran workforce memorisation. These skills will help them to succeed in any field, even if they
needs people who can adapt to a changing workplace. do not pursue a career directly in a STEM field of work.
The continual advances in technology are changing the way our students learn,
WHY IS STEM SO IMPORTANT?
connect and interact each day. STEM empowers those people with the skills to
succeed and adapt to the changing world. Another reason why STEM is important is thanks to emerging opportunities in
organisations and industry which address the lack of ethnic and gender
INTEGRATED STEM FOR ALL diversity. Events such as the Robogals Conference, hosted earlier this year at
While science subjects have been viewed in many places as the ones most the University of Sussex, are designed to encourage more women and girls into
suited to boys, the gender gap is narrowing as girls are encouraged to develop engineering.
their interest and skills in the STEM subjects. This does not mean that girls are
ENCOURAGING GIRLS TO TAKE STEM SUBJECTS
channelled into the natural sciences while boys take up the majority of

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The STEM approach to learning starts in the primary schools where an In the UK, less than 10 percent of women make up the engineering workforce,
integrated approach to the curriculum is well established. It is noticed that while in the US, only around a quarter of those in STEM occupations are
girls’ perception of STEM subjects may begin to change about year 5 or 6. women. Similar statistics are reported across the world in male-dominated
They begin to lose confidence or think that STEM is something that only boys industries such as engineering and technology.
do well. This perception may continue throughout school and into higher
Will the gender disparity in male-dominated industries ever
studies or career choices. Alarmingly, there are many myths and
change? The answer seems to be yes – but gradually.
misconceptions in society about what girls do and do not do well. This could
Helping to speed up the process are various organisations
not be further from the truth.
offering scholarships for women preparing for careers in
Our schools aim to empower girls from an early age, challenging those myths male-dominated industries. Often, the funding is
and misconceptions. We plan to raise the participation of girls in the core accompanied by additional support, including mentorship and special events or
STEM subjects to realise the potential of all our pupils. workshops.
Current participation of our year 10 in these subjects 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
Girls (% of year group) Boys (% of year group) that everyone prepares for this new world of work, whether through a
Maths 50 90 familiarity with ICT or more specialised subjects such as computer science and
Physics 10 80 the use of technology in a vast range of study subjects. No one should get left
Biology 50 40 out through lack of choice or opportunity.
Chemistry 10 80
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
We show them that their participation and success in STEM can help them to include apprenticeships giving practical, on-the-job learning and skills
change the world. development. Alternatively, there are many routes through higher education in
While girls appear to think they are less good at maths than boys, their the vast range of subjects open for study at undergraduate or post graduate
performance in year 9 is shown to be as good as, if not better, than boys. It is a levels. Look them up – you may be amazed at the career paths you could
matter of perception and confidence that needs to be boosted. choose.

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

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