GLENDORE PUBLIC SCHOOL

WHERE EVERYONE CAN SUCCEED

Telephone02 4955 6644

Emailglendore-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Science & Technology

Science and technology is mandatory for all students from Kindergarten to Year 6.

In science and technology, students explore the natural and made worlds. They learn how to apply scientific and technological skills, knowledge and understanding across a broad range of contexts.

Science provides a way of inquiring about the world around us. It explores evidence and investigates ways to discover, develop and produce solutions to real world problems. The inquiry and skill-based nature of science opens doors to ideas and discoveries.

SCIENCE SYLLABUS

Science and Technology K-6 is an integrated discipline that fosters in students a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around them and how it works. Science and Technology K-6 encourages students to embrace new concepts, the unexpected and to learn through trialling, testing and refining ideas.

The study of science and technology develops the building blocks of inquiry and students' abilities to solve problems. Students are provided with opportunities to develope understanding based on evidence and reason. These skills enable students to participate responsibly in developing innovative ideas and solutions in response to questions and situations relevant to personal, social and environmental issues.  The learning students experience enables them to contribute to the world as active global citizens both now and in the future.

Science and technology are pedagogically linked and through their practical application promote genuine learning opportunities for students.  The application of Working Scientifically, and Design and Production skills enables students to develop a sense of accomplishment and enhance their skills in inquiry and manipulating tools and materials to produce solutions. These skills are important in preparing students to succeed in a rapidly developing technological world.

BYOD (BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE)

At Glendore all 3-6 classes are BYOD Classrooms. Through this program, students use of digital devices and online services in schools is intended to enhance learning, wellbeing and educational attainmnet. Digital devices and online services can help students develop the skills needed for digital literacy, creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, interpersonal relationships and collaboration.

TECHNOLOGY WITHIN THE SCHOOL

At Glendore, we have high quality interactive boards in every learning space. All classes K-2 have class sets of iPads for students to use, to support the implementation of technology within the classroom. These iPads are used as part of our STEM program as well as during Literacy and Numeracy lessons. In 3-6, in addition to our BYOD program, all classrooms have access to a class set of laptops for students to use during teaching and learning activities. These laptops are used as part of our STEM program as well as supporting the implementation of Literacy and Numeracy.

 

STEM DAYS

STEM is an approach to learning and development that integrates the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.  Every Semester each grade holds a STEM Day. Through STEM Days, students develop key skills including:

  • Problem solving
  • Creativity
  • Critical analysis
  • Teamwork
  • Independent thinking
  • Initiative
  • Communication
  • Digital Literacy

Why is STEM important?

The global economy is changing. Current jobs are disappearing due to automation and new jobs are emerging every day as a result of technological advances. The continual advances in technology are changing the way students learn, connect and interact every day. Skills developed by students through STEM provide them with the foundation to succeed at school beyond.

Employer demand for STEM qualifications and skills is high, and will continue to increase in the future. Currenlty, 75 percent of jobs in the fastest growing industries require workers with STEM skills. To be competitive, the Australian workforce needs people who can adapt to a changing workplace. STEM empowers individuals with the skills to succeed and adapt to this changing world.