The emphasis in this course is on inquiry-based learning whilst developing 21st century thinking and exploration skills.
The skills they learn to develop include creativity, problem solving, critical thinking, emotional and social intelligence and most importantly resilience and adaptability. Through an opportunity to explore project-based learning initiatives students learn to solve challenging problems and create authentic outcomes.
Key features of the course include:
- An integrated learning approach – complimentary to traditional subjects, not a replacement.
- Use a range of tools, technologies and processes to develop solutions to a wide variety of problems.
- Practical relevance to scientific and mathematical concepts.
Contact
Head of Science: Virginia Ellis
Email: vellis@barker.nsw.edu.au
Year 9
There are 5 key focus areas in this course:
The course comprises of a combination of core modules that look at STEM fundamentals and electives where the students can make some choices in the work they produce.
The range of areas include CAD/CAM, prototyping, motion, aerodynamics, mechatronics and biomedical innovation to name a few. The staff who teach this course bring expertise from a wide variety of faculties and work collaboratively on the design, instruction and delivery of the course. We also utilize industry experts to advise, mentor and challenge the students in their project work.
The students are deeply engaged in the design thinking process and all units comprise of either individual or group projects.
Students may choose iSTEAM in both Years 9 and 10 or take the course in Years 9 or 10 only.
Assessment
- Three projects – each with elements of the design process – ideation, design, written and construction components.
- No examination
Year 10
There are 5 key focus areas in this course:
The course comprises of a combination of core modules that look at STEM fundamentals and electives where the students can make some choices in the work they produce.
The range of areas include CAD/CAM, prototyping, motion, aerodynamics, mechatronics and biomedical innovation to name a few.
The staff who teach this course bring expertise from a wide variety of faculties and work collaboratively on the design, instruction and delivery of the course. We also utilize industry experts to advise, mentor and challenge the students in their project work.
The students are deeply engaged in the design thinking process and all units comprise of either individual or group projects.
Students may choose iSTEAM in Year 10 without having studied the Year 9 course.
Assessment
- Three projects – each with elements of the design process – ideation, design, written, construction components.
- The final project is an open ended project of the student’s choice.
- No examination