RDA Hunter’s ME Program has not only achieved outstanding results in improving the uptake of STEM subjects in the Hunter’s high schools, but has developed a reputation as the State’s leader in developing innovative, industry-centric STEM curriculum.
As a result, Dr Scott Sleap, RDA Hunter’s ME Program Director was recently invited to advise Queensland Department of Education/James Cook University/Thuringowa State High School and the NSW’s only selective on-line high school, Aurora College about problem-based learning, industry connected STEM curriculum and the ME Program’s iSTEM course.
Aurora College is NSW’s only Virtual Selective High School. It provides students in rural and remote areas the chance to study specialist subjects using the latest technology. Advice and consultation with the ME Program about challenging and engaging STEM curriculum will result in the College introducing the first on-line version of iSTEM. iSTEM, is the ME Program’s state-of-the-art senior school subject that incorporates industry focused mechatronics, aerodynamics, engineering, 3D CAD/CAM and motion modules to engage students in interesting STEM curriculum that prepares them for the new and high-skill jobs of tomorrow.
“Aurora College is a leader in the innovative delivery of curriculum so to have them seek us out for advice and then adopt iSTEM as one of their subject choices in 2017 is a great complement,” said Dr Sleap
Queensland’s Department of Education, James Cook University and Thuringowa State High School invited Dr Sleap to provide advice on the ME Program, STEM curriculum and the iSTEM course. Dr Sleap also visited Townsville State High to observe its Aerospace Class to help progress a similar model implemented at ME Program partner school, Hunter River High, recently named NSW’s only Aerospace High School.
“We are very pleased that the ME Program’s reputation for innovative, industry focused STEM curriculum is growing. Our model is impacting the way curriculum is delivered which is having a positive impact on students and increasing the uptake of STEM subjects. It’s very satisfying that we are being recognised for this and invited to contribute to initiatives across Australia.” continued Dr Sleap.