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
The focus on the STEM subjects in the curriculum does not exclude the arts and develop 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  LOGICAL THOUGHT
requirements that many more jobs will require digital skills familiarity in their  CRITICAL THINKING
workforce and many traditional jobs done by humans will be replaced by  PROBLEM SOLVING
machines or AI. Currently 75 per cent of jobs in the fastest growing industries  PROJECT MANAGEMENT
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 suited organisations and industry which address the lack of ethnic and gender
to boys, the gender gap is narrowing as girls are encouraged to develop their diversity. Events such as the Robogals Conference, hosted earlier this year at

1 MEER R KHANWANI, IA150, 9708

the University of Sussex, are designed to encourage more women and girls into While girls appear to think they are less good at maths than boys, their
engineering. performance in year 9 is shown to be as good as, if not better, than boys. It is a
matter of perception and confidence that needs to be boosted.
ENCOURAGING GIRLS TO TAKE STEM SUBJECTS
There are more and more examples of women excelling in scientific life today;
The STEM approach to learning starts in the primary schools where an in astronomy and space exploration, in molecular research and medical science.
integrated approach to the curriculum is well established. It is noticed that girls’ Your students can research some of these distinguished female scientists. They
perception of STEM subjects may begin to change about year 5 or 6. They begin may also study women working in everyday science related roles.
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 OPPORTUNITIES IN THE DIGITAL WORLD OF
choices. Alarmingly, there are many myths and misconceptions in society about WORK
what girls do and do not do well. This could not be further from the truth.
In the UK, less than 10 percent of women make up the engineering workforce,
Our schools aim to empower girls from an early age, challenging while in the US, only around a quarter of those in STEM occupations are
those myths and misconceptions. We plan to raise the women. Similar statistics are reported across the world in male-dominated
participation of girls in the core STEM subjects to realise the industries such as engineering and technology.
potential of all our pupils.

Current participation of our year 10 in these subjects Will the gender disparity in male-dominated industries ever change? The
Subject Girls (% of year group) Boys (% of year group) answer seems to be yes – but gradually. Helping to speed up the process are
Maths 50 90 various organisations offering scholarships for women preparing for careers in
Physics 10 80 male-dominated industries. Often, the funding is accompanied by additional
Biology 50 40 support, including mentorship and special events or workshops.
Chemistry 10 80
Design Technology 15 45 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
Computer Science 5 75
that everyone prepares for this new world of work, whether through a
ICT 90 25
familiarity with ICT or more specialised subjects such as computer science and
We show them that their participation and success in STEM can help them to
the use of technology in a vast range of study subjects. No one should get left
change the world.
out through lack of choice or opportunity.
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.

2 MEER R KHANWANI, IA150, 9708