"Over the next five years, employment is predicted to increase in professional, scientific and technical services by 14 per cent and in health care by almost 20 per cent. The Australian Bureau of Statistics has estimated that some STEM-related jobs, such as ICT professionals and engineers, have grown at about 1.5 times the rate of other jobs in recent years. 1 International research shows that building STEM capacity across the population is critical in helping to support innovation and productivity regardless of occupation or industry. "
--National STEM School Education Strategy http://www.educationcouncil.edu.au/site/DefaultSite/filesystem/documents/National%20STEM%20School%20Education%20Strategy.pdf
Eastern Fleurieu School is designing and implementing more STEM focussed subjects across the campuses in 2018. At EFS 7-12, two new subjects will be introduced in 2018 in the "Systems & Engineering" faculty (Formerly known as 'Design & Technology'): "Systems & Robotics" is a one semester elective subject available to year 9 students. The subject focuses on learning the fundamental skills and understanding associated with Programming, Electronics and Computer Aided Design & Manufacture (CAD/ CAM).
"Drone Design & Engineering" is a full year subject available to year 10 students. In this subject, students will work in teams to program, design, and build remotely operated vehicles and control systems. Students will develop and draw on mathematical and scientific knowledge and understanding to inspire their designs. This cross curricular subject will develop the following skills and understanding in students:
Electronics
Programming
CAD/CAM skills
Digital technologies
Applied Physics
Applied Mathematics
Literacy
Automotive systems
Robotic systems
Graphic and product design
Marketing and commerce
Collaborative management of team environments and projects
DD&E will continue to be rolled out and will be available to year 11 and 12 Students in 2019 and 2020 respectively.
STEMLAB
To facilitate the development of these subjects; and support STEM across the campus, the 'Systems & Engineering' faculty has begun building "STEMLAB". STEMLAB is a facility which currently offers tools such as 3D printers, Vinyl Cutters, Soldering irons, and advanced computer facilities for virtual wind tunnel testing and stress testing. Systems & Engineering hope to develop the facilities available in STAMLAB throughout 2018 and beyond.