Maitland Grossmann High School was last week named as one of only eight high schools state-wide to earn the prestigious title of STEM Action School for 2016-17 by the NSW Department of Education.
STEM Action Schools were awarded on their ability to share effective STEM pedagogy, illustrate innovative practice for student engagement in STEM, and demonstrate effective leadership, professional learning, student career path planning and industry partnerships.
“We warmly welcome the announcement that Maitland Grossmann High has earned the prestigious STEM Action School title. Inspiring students to study STEM and consider STEM careers takes a dedicated, knowledgeable and professional team of teachers which is exactly what Maitland Grossmann has. We congratulate them for their commitment and achievement,” said RDA Hunter’s ME Program Director, Rick Evans.
“We are delighted that the ME Program is able to support the development of school based programs that promote the engagement of students in STEM. We look forward to growing our partnership with Maitland Grossmann High which has, without doubt, contributed to the outstanding STEM results the Hunter is currently seeing,” continued Dr Sleap.
“The iSTEM program at Maitland Grossmann has become the source of much innovation, challenge and success in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Students and staff alike are inspired and motivated to be part of this exciting proactive learning curriculum”. said Maitland Grossmann High School Principal Dr Di Soltau
According to NSW Department of Education, STEM Action Schools should be able to demonstrate:
- Exemplary teaching and learning of STEM subjects and/or integrated curriculum and a clearly articulated STEM vision
- A model of good practice to inform future Department initiatives
- Flexible, effective or new approaches to student engagement and/or student pathway planning
- Evidence of high quality resources, whole school planning , and effective professional learning and capacity building to support innovation
- Effective partnerships with local councils, businesses, universities and industry
- The capacity to mentor and provide advice to other schools on aspects of STEM innovation, including implementation strategies, structural and organisational approaches and links to whole school planning.
- Capacity and willingness to mentor final year pre-service teachers and early career teachers of science, technology and mathematics