iStem

Course description

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics are fundamental to shaping the future of Australia. They provide enabling skills and knowledge that increasingly underpin many professions and trades, and the skills of a technologically based workforce. The iSTEM course utilises these knowledge pillars in their application to Skills, Technology Engineering and Mechanics.

STEM skills are applied across all fields of employment, from Aerospace to Law to Medicine. Specialist STEM occupations may be in cutting edge technology like such as Artificial Intelligence for Self Driving Cars, Virtual Reality or technology start-ups that develop the next life changing technology.

There is a world focus on these fields that seek to grow the supply of graduates with the skills and knowledge developed through a quality education in STEM subjects. The reason is straightforward, the world’s dependence on knowledge and innovation will grow and not diminish and to be ahead in the race, a community needs the skills to anticipate rather than follow, which this course develops.

 What will students learn about?

 The iSTEM course utilises a practical integrated approach with engineering and technology being used to drive engagement in science and mathematics, through the development of technical skills and mechanical engineering knowledge. Its purpose is to increase the numbers of students studying STEM based subjects in the senior years and ultimately the number of student matriculating to tertiary study at both university and trade levels in STEM or STEM based employment.

There are four core modules

• STEM Fundamentals 1
• STEM Fundamentals 2
• Mechatronics 1
• Mechatronics 2

Ten elective modules of which students will study up to 6

What will students learn to do?

Students will learn:

• skills in critically evaluating data, research and sources
• skills in communicating ideas to affect change
• inquiry and project based learning skills appropriate to STEM practice
• knowledge and understanding of scientific and mechanical concepts through Investigations of technology and engineering
• knowledge and understanding of STEM principles and processes
• skills in solving STEM based problems and meeting STEM challenges using mechanical, graphical and scientific methods
• problem solving skills in a range of STEM contexts.
• an appreciation of the role and potential of STEM in the world in which they live
• an understanding of the contribution of STEM disciplines to the economic well- being of nations

Stage 5 Credential

Satisfactory completion of 200 hours of elective study in iSTEM will be recorded with a grade on the student’s Stage 5 Credential (RoSA).