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?
The focus on the STEM subjects in the curriculum does not exclude the arts and creative subjects because the modern world also expects learners to have broad skills and be “well rounded” characters. However, there are increasing requirements that many more jobs will require digital skills familiarity in their workforce and many traditional jobs done by humans will be replaced 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 workforce needs people who can adapt to a changing workplace.
The continual advances in technology are changing the way our students learn, connect and interact each day. STEM empowers those people with the skills to succeed and adapt to the changing world.
Integrated STEM for all
While science subjects have been viewed in many places as the ones most suited to boys, the gender gap is narrowing as girls are encouraged to develop their 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 science or physics/maths routes. The STEM subjects are for all and may develop some of these broader skills:
working in teams
logical thought
critical thinking
problem solving
project management
developing own solutions.
This style of learning focusses on higher level thinking rather than on tests and memorisation. These skills will help them to succeed in any field, even if they do not pursue a career directly in a STEM field of work.
Why is STEM so important?
Another reason why STEM is important is thanks to emerging opportunities in organisations and industry which address the lack of ethnic and gender diversity. Events such as the Robogals Conference, hosted earlier this year at the University of Sussex, are designed to encourage more women and girls into engineering.
Encouraging girls to take STEM subjects
The STEM approach to learning starts in the primary schools where an 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. They begin 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 choices. Alarmingly, there are many myths and misconceptions in society about what girls do and do not do well. This could not be further from the truth.
Our schools aim to empower girls from an early age, challenging those myths and misconceptions. We plan to raise the participation of girls in the core STEM subjects to realise the potential of all our pupils.
Current participation of our year 10 in these subjects			
Subject	Girls (% of year group)	Boys (% of year group)	
Maths	50	90	
Physics	10	80	
Chemistry	10	80	
Design Technology	15	45	
Computer Science	5	75	
ICT	90	25	
We show them that their participation and success in STEM can help them to change the world.
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 a matter of perception and confidence that needs to be boosted.
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
In the UK, less than 10 percent of women make up the engineering workforce, while in the US, only around a quarter of those in STEM occupations are women. Similar statistics are reported across the world in male-dominated industries such as engineering and technology.
Will the gender disparity in male-dominated industries ever change? The answer seems to be yes – but gradually. Helping to speed up the process are various organisations offering scholarships for women preparing for careers in male-dominated industries. Often, the funding is accompanied by additional support, including mentorship and special events or workshops.
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 that everyone prepares for this new world of work, whether through a 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 left 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.