STEM

Welcome to the STEM page.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is such an exciting field of study to be working in. The opportunity for STEM based jobs are projected to grow by more than double the rate of non-STEM based occupations in the coming years. What does that mean? Our students will be ready and open to more opportunities in their futures, simply because they attended a school that prioritises STEM learning as a specialist subject.

What does it look like in a classroom setting though? Honestly, it may look like a lot of playing with train tracks, lego, iPads and robots,  if you were to walk past the STEM Lab in the Middle Building. But students will be learning about working from a design brief to plan, test, modify and execute solutions. They’ll create simple machines using Lego Technic and learn about the physics of force and motion. They’ll understand the ways our community is connected through complex rail and road networks. They’ll experience the impacts of changes in different biomes, by running digital simulations. And they’ll practice working with technology to record and share their knowledge.

Whilst this is my first year teaching STEM at Donvale, I have been a member of the staff since 2014. I previously worked in the Senior Building as a 5/6 teacher, before taking leave to have my two children. I then kept connections with DPS through regular relief teaching roles all over the school.

I’m not new to STEM occupations either, having  worked in electronics whilst studying education. If you have ever used a motorised golf buggy out on the local golf course, there’s a good chance I built the electronics for it. (Just don’t invite me for a round of golf. I couldn’t think of anything worse. Haha)

I look forward to working with every student on a weekly basis. Let’s get started!

From Mrs Emily Wallis