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Pennant Hills High School

Pennant Hills High School

Responsibility Integrity Achievement

Telephone02 9473 5000

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

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)

At Pennant Hills High School, we approach a variety of STEM projects for our students. Through our partnership with The University of Sydney STEM Teacher Enrichment Academy to our stage 5 iSTEM course, we aim to make projects that will stimulate our student's desire to learn and have fun!

The importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics knowledge to Australia’s future workforce is indisputable. In 2012, Ian Chubb, then Chief Scientist of Australia triggered a major focus on the decline in interest of studies in the STEM disciplines across the nation and its potential impact on our future. These sentiments were reinforced in a report by the Chief Executive of the Australian Industry Group in 2015 stating “It is time for a major rethink of the Australian education system to address the failure to give young people the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills which business so desperately needs.”

 

At Pennant Hills we offer iSTEM as a selective 200 hour course through years 9 and 10.  The main purpose of iSTEM 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. Students will 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.

You can learn more about the projects we have on offer from our video below. 

For more information on how we approach STEM, you can also look at our entry to the Focus on Ability short film festival below.