STEM Enrichment Academy

In October 2016, Canterbury Boys was proudly selected by the University of Sydney to be a STEM Academy Partner School in 2017. Information on the STEM Teacher Enrichment Academy: http://sydney.edu.au/stem/academy/program/index.shtml

Seven staff from Canterbury Boys participated in a 3-day residential program at Sydney University that was led by academic staff from Sydney University and industry partners. Our staff engaged with the academic and industry experts and other school teams to develop a within and across disciplinary approach to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). There was a large focus on the application of problem solving and inquiry-based learning in the teaching of science, mathematics and technology . 

The Academy's aim is for Partner Schools to become hubs of expertise for STEM Academy programs through:

• inspiring and supporting teachers
• expanding and sustaining new approaches to teaching and learning
• implementing innovative STEM units

 

We are recognised Leaders in STEM.

 

We boast about the range of interest in and ability to deliver and integrate STEM activities into our curriculum and co-curriculum. This is evident by:

• Established University partnerships including the University of Sydney (Compass program, Scientist in Schools program in conjunction with CSIRO, Sleek Geeks and a Coding Program), the University of NSW (Aspire program) and the University of Wollongong (Engineering faculty). These initiatives support the strong interest in STEM and continue to professionally develop staff on the range of strategies available to deliver teaching that teaches both the technical aspects and the problem-solving thinking required to participate actively in future-focused learning.
• Community of School STEM initiatives including: Primary School STEM Enrichment Program at CBHS in partnership with the UOW (100+ Year 5 students across 10 PS's), National Science week initiatives with Canterbury and Canterbury South PS's and Gifted and Talented STEM programs with Campsie PS, Ashfield PS, Ashbury PS and Summer Hill PS. These programs provide exposure to High School KLA experts and opportunities for students to access specialist resources – science and technology labs, robotics, coding, 3D printers as examples.
• CSIRO Scientist In Schools (SIS) program. This promotes Science is a valued partnership with Sydney University and the CSIRO, yielding strong improvements in student learning. Most notable are achievements in senior physics as it provides teachers with new ways to approach teaching practical applications of theoretical concepts.
• Australian Business & Community Network partnership, targeting excursion visits to Microsoft and participation in STEM related video-conferences. This is exposing students to IT and STEM related careers. There are plans to expand this partnership in 2017 with inclusion in the STEM Innovate program and the Partners In Learning program.
• Diverse HSC STEM curriculum, including classes for:

          - Science: 2U Chemistry, 2U Physics, 2U Biology and 2U Senior Science

          - Technology: classes in 2U Software Development & Design; Information Processes & Technology; and the VET course, Information & Digital Technology

          - Engineering, and

          - Mathematics: classes in Extension 1 & 2, 2U Mathematics and 2U General Mathematics

• Mandatory Science and Maths curriculum exceeding BOSTES mandatory hours in stages 4 and 5 by 100 hours. Students engage in Technology Mandatory Curriculum (200 hours) where they develop skills in computing, engineering, robotics and digital media. 
• 200-hour stage 5 elective courses in the area of Technology and Engineering; this includes Industrial Technology (Engineering) and Information, Software and Technology (Computing).

 

What are the planned STEM initiatives for 2017?

 

The STEM Academy Team will develop and deliver a number of innovative practices to our students and students of a number of neighbouring primary schools. Some of the planned initiatives include:

• STEM exposure for Year 7 and 8, including industry partnership through ABCN (Australian Business and Community Networks) Innovate program with PWC. More information about this initiative can be found at: http://www.pwc.com.au/stem/supporting-stem.html
• A new 100-hour STEM elective course for Year 9 and 10 students
• A new long-term Primary School STEM Enrichment program involving Ashfield, Canterbury, Summer Hill, Ashbury PS's.

Addition information about our involvement in the STEM Academy: CBHS STEM Academy Overview (pptx 1850 KB)

Our journey summarised in under 2 minutes:

We will post regular updates through our social media channels (Twitter and Facebook), our school newsletter and within the news section of this website. Please contact the STEM Academy Team on 9798-8444 if you wish any additional information on our STEM achievements.