Learning the importance of STEM

Knowing the importance of STEM, Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) has embraced the STEM revolution with the community of schools across South East Queensland preparing students for participation in an ever-changing world of science and technology.

You may know that STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics but did you also know that it has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of others – a fundamental value of Catholic education?

STEM skills are essential to solving problems in the real world, finding new solutions, new ways of doing things to build things stronger, faster and better.

These new ideas translate into new opportunities, new businesses, new industries and new jobs.

STEM subjects involved much more than traditional maths or science classes, it’s a form of collaborative learning, one that draws on and applies all the different dimensions of ingenuity and creativity students bring to projects.

According to the National STEM School Education Strategy, an estimated 75 per cent of jobs in the fastest-growing industries in the next five to 10 years will need STEM skills and almost all jobs will require ICT literacy.

Given the rapidly changing nature of science and technology, BCE primary and secondary schools have created a culture where the importance of STEM was recognised and valued.

BCE Executive Director Pam Betts said students in BCE’s 141 schools participate in many STEM related activities including robotic clubs, competitions such as the Science and Engineering Challenge, host Maths Enrichment days and other school-based initiatives.

“Our teachers are also encouraged to prioritise STEM content knowledge when determining their professional learning needs,” she said.

“There are high expectations for all students to engage with STEM education opportunities.”

Catholic schools educate almost one in five Queensland children with every student given the opportunity to experience success and reach their full potential in all aspects of school life.

Working closely with local Catholic parishes, BCE schools are an important face of the Church to families seeking support in their challenging work of parenting and educating their children.

The staff recognise that education is about establishing strong foundations for success in life-long learning and empowering students to make transitions throughout their schooling. And this is all done whilst providing a wide selection of curriculum offerings in an affordable manner.

Through partnerships with parents, governments, parishes and the wider community, BCE schools provide social responsibility, self-discipline and Christian values for all students.

Students are seen as active participants in the learning process and their spiritual, physical, emotional, and social development is of equal importance with teachers aware of the wide variation within any one group of students in their development.

Crayola free preschool activities

Environment

On the environmental front, BCE is tackling issues such as climate change head on, designing new school buildings that are environmentally friendly.

All schools within the BCE community are teaching students to be stewards of the world around them through water conservation, energy saving, recycling and local ecological and environmental projects.

Social justice also plays an important role with innovative activities and programs in place to raise awareness and funds for others less fortunate.

Indigenous cultures are explored through BCE’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Studies Centre, Ngutana-Lui at Inala.

Pastoral care is a distinguishing feature in Catholic schools as young students gain a sense of identity, purpose, success and wellbeing within the context of a Catholic community.

Students excel in a variety of cultural pursuits such as singing, instrumental music, choirs, bands, drama, sports and, of course, STEM.

Many students gain university places while others move on to a wide variety of professional and technical careers.

With places filling quickly in schools across South East Queensland, now is the time for parents to think about enrolling for 2020.

For further information about a Catholic school near you visit www.brisbanecatholicschools.com.au or call 3033 7000.

 

Thanks to Brisbane Catholic Education for the post!

KOTC issue out now MREC

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By Claire Gilligan
WITH A FIFO HUSBAND WHO WORKS AWAY WEEKS AT A TIME, CLAIRE ENJOYS FINDING FUN, LOCAL THINGS TO DO AND PLACES TO VISIT TO OCCUPY HER AND HER TWO GIRLS' TIME. ORIGINALLY FROM SYDNEY, CLAIRE AND HER FAMILY LOVE ALL THE THINGS THE SUNSHINE COAST HAS TO OFFER AND ENJOY SHOWING IT OFF TO VISITING FAMILY AND FRIENDS. Kids on the Coast is a free family magazine whats on guide for Kids: things to do, school holiday fun and free activities for kids... Fun attractions, family food & travel, kids health & wellbeing, kids parties venues, parenting, pregnancy & babies, guide for parents. Servicing Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and beyond, Kids on the Coast is an online guide for parents with kids things to do with kids, schools and education and lifestyle news located on Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast & Brisbane, QLD.

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