At Mitcham Primary School, we have been developing a culture of problem solving and innovation over the past few years. Students are highly engaged as they utilise skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
We promote a collaborative approach to teaching and learning where students investigate and discover alongside their teachers. Design thinking skills are explicitly taught from Reception to Year 6 and are embedded throughout STEM learning tasks. The valuable skills that students develop in STEM will benefit them in their daily lives and future career pathways.
Our Innovation Centre is a modern, spacious area designed to enable students to investigate, design solutions and solve real world problems. Students have opportunities to use 3D printers and learn about robotics, along with a range of other digital technologies. Students have access to banks of iPads and laptops, supporting high quality learning in STEM.
STEM Extension - Year 3-6
Students in Years 3 to 6 may also be part of our STEM Extension Program. STEM Extension is a high academic performance program with set criteria for eligibility and selection.
STEM Extension students have engaged in projects including creating Augmented Reality games, designing and coding robots, and creating digital circuitry using Minecraft.
The criteria for selection in the STEM Extension program are as follows:
- Assessment and Effort Grades in the Maths, Science, and Technologies Learning Areas
- Stanine Score in PAT-M (a numeracy test given during Term 3 of each school year)
- NAPLAN Score
- Classroom Teacher Confirmation - Checking that the student is dispositionally suited to the challenge.
Generally, all students involved in the program achieve an A grade in each of the three key learning areas, along with very high scores in the standardised testing. In the case that students cannot be split, preference is given to Year 4 students for the Year 3 and 4 group, and Year 6 students in the Year 5 and 6 group. A gender balance is also considered.
These criteria are followed closely as places in the program are limited.
