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The Hills Sports High School

The Hills Sports High School

Strive for success

Telephone02 9622 7300

Emailhillssport-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

iSTEM

Integrated, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Stage 5, 100 and 200 Hour Elective 

STEM refers to science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The basic contributors to healthy STEM are research, international engagement and education. The importance of STEM disciplines for the future economic and social well-being of Australia cannot be underestimated. International research indicates that 75 per cent of the fastest growing occupations require STEM skills and knowledge. In the US STEM employment grew three times more than non-STEM employment over the past twelve years and is expected to grow twice as fast by 2018. 

iSTEM is a School Developed Board Endorsed Course which was developed by Regional Development Australia – Hunter, Maitland Grossmann High and industry partners. This means that student success is recognised on their Record of School Achievement (RoSA) in Year 10. It has been an outstanding success and in 2016 will be adopted by around 140 schools throughout NSW. It covers a number of modules in the fields of science, technology and engineering.

Class members have the option to participate in a variety of competitions and STEM based intervention programs during the course. Students will also study a variety of themed units of work focusing on the application of science, technology, engineering and mathematics to real life, through inquiry based learning techniques.

iSTEM activities may include

·       Robotics

·       Drones

·       F1Challengs

·       Challenge days

·       Major Research Projects

·       CAD to 3D models

·       K’nex Problem Solving

·       Advanced Coding

The main purpose of this NSW Educational Standards Authority (NESA) endorsed course is to better engage students in science, technology engineering and mathematics. It is meant to challenge and excite students with the possibilities of the future. It involves many 21st century learning opportunities and emphasises inquiry based learning where students are encouraged to learn by doing.