A STEM digital technology pilot was recently initiated at six metropolitan and regional schools with the support of industry partners BHP, Nyrstar, Hillgrove Resources, Fortescue and SIMEC Mining.
Having successfully implemented the program, the South Australian Chamber of Mines & Energy (SACOME) is advocating to the South Australian Government for further support so the program can be provided in all government schools across the state.
“Empowering students with a STEM education is an investment in their future and an investment in our state,” SACOME chief executive officer (CEO) Rebecca Knol said.
“The pilot was extremely successful and has paved the way for SACOME to continue to advocate for its rollout across South Australian government schools.”
“Working with St Barbara’s Parish School in Roxby Downs, St Mark’s College in Port Pirie, St Francis de Sales College in Mt Barker, Caritas College in Port Augusta, Samaritan College in Whyalla and St Aloysius College in Adelaide, SACOME was able to test the program in metropolitan and regional settings.”
Feedback from teachers and school leaders has been positive, with the addition of industry connections enriching the learning experience and offering students valuable insights into how technology is applied in the real world.
“For young people, it’s been a chance to connect STEM learning to the careers that await them in the future, and to understand ways they can use the knowledge and skills they are developing now in unique ways to create a better world,” Catholic Education South Australia executive director Neil McGoran said.
“Staff have found great value in the lesson resources and plans that have been provided to them.
“They have been able to use them to engage the students and to contemplate how STEM skills can be used in industry and careers in the future.”
Hillgrove Resources CEO and managing director Lachlan Wallace said as a local employer in the region, it’s very important for there to be a pathway for children to be encouraged into STEM as a career, particularly in the resources sector.
“This is not only valuable for our company but for the broader resources sector and for the state’s economy, as we continually strive to decarbonise towards an electrified future” he said.
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