Kotara High has been a school partner of the ME Program since 2011. The true impact of the ME Program on this school and its students is evident and supported by student’s subject choices for 2013.
It has been through the partnership with the ME Program that students have been able to experience Robocop and F1 in Schools. It has ignited their passion through practical hands on experience and their relationship with industry partner Custom Fluidpower. Kotara High has two (2) SBATS that visit its industry partner Custom Fluidpower.
For the first time ever, the Industrial Technology Faculty has more subjects being offered than the English Department. The department has seen an increase of 25% of new subjects being offered in 2013. Notable increases can be seen in the following:
• Two (2) IT Metal Year 9 classes have become part of the curriculum structure.
• Students are branching out in their subject choices and Kotara High is offering Design and Technology and Information Technology for Year 9 students for the first time.
• Renewed interest in IT Electronics by Year 9 students as a subject choice.
• Year 11 & 12 students have elected to study Metals & Engineering and Engineering Studies.
Shane Lloyd, a teacher at Kotara High shared his thoughts about the ME Program and what it has meant to the school and the students:
‘The ME Program with its associated funding has allowed our school to invest in new computers, advance manufacturing machinery and updated teacher training. With these skills and resources available, our school has had the opportunity to offer new courses such as Software Design (Robotics) and Design & Technology (Engineering Applications). Student numbers enrolling in engineering relevant subjects have consistently increased each year since our involvement in the ME Program. Our students have has the opportunities to participate in regional activities that have been supported through the ME Program. It has been a fantastic program that I believe has really made a difference regarding the engagement of students in Engineering and the connections between school learning and industry applications’
