Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths
ICLT
In addition, each classroom has a set of iPads which create a student-to-iPad ratio of approximately 4:1. Interactive whiteboards are in every classroom throughout the school providing excellent, high resolution display opportunities for learning.
STEM - SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATHS
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics are identified as essential areas of study in Australia to maintain a high quality of life. Our world is ever changing and the jobs of the future may not have even been invented yet. Opportunities for learning in the STEM field is important for students to foster a love of learning scientific and technological developments.
STEM, drawn from the four disciplines of Science (S), Technology (T), Engineering (E), and Mathematics (M) recognises the importance of this integration and its significance for Australia’s competitive future. Our aim at St Mary's is to embed this in all areas of learning through Conceptual Inquiry. We provide the resources to enhance engagement in STEM by developing practical, hands-on teaching and learning programs and resources that allow students to integrate their knowledge across all areas.
Our STEM program is outcome-driven learning that fosters inquiry, problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity and innovation. It fosters 21st-century capabilities and skills for our students to be active learners today, and leaders in the future.
To facilitate this at St Mary's, our students in K to Year 6 are provided with the opportunity to undertake coding and digital technologies within the classroom. We have a range of resources such as a 3D printer and other devices for students to engage with coding software such as Kodable, Scratch Junior, Scratch, Tynker and Grok Learning.
This will enable students to:
- create and communicate ideas and information
- solve problems in order to accomplish specific goals
- recognise, analyse, and correctly use the basic concepts and elements of computer programs
- plan, design, develop, test and debug reasonably complicated software projects such as games and animated interactive stories.
Coding is essential to help students thrive in a future driven by technology. Being introduced to coding gives students an appreciation of what can be built with technology. Knowledge of coding assists students to understand how computers work, and imagine and design new devices and services.