STEM
STEM – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – covers a wide range of disciplines and skills, which are increasingly in demand in our rapidly changing world. STEM skills and knowledge are important for all stages of our learning, jobs and everyday lives.
STEM education and training covers the specific knowledge and skills found in science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines. It also covers the interrelationship between these areas, allowing learning to be delivered in an integrated way and resulting in a deeper engagement in the four disciplines.
STEM knowledge and skills are embedded within the Victorian Curriculum, in Mathematics, Science, Design and Technologies, and Digital Technologies. STEM education also develops capabilities such as critical and creative thinking, collaboration and ethical decision making.
Senior secondary students with a strong interest in STEM can access education and training pathways leading to varied careers in STEM fields, including the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE or VCE Vocational Major) and Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs.
Year 7 – 10
Students in Years 7 to 10 will study Mathematics and Science as core subjects. At Year 7 and 8, students will also have the opportunity to study STEM electives including Food Technology and Information Technology. Students are introduced to nutrition and cooking, and ICT skills and techniques, including coding, 2D animations, webpage design and the use of multimedia platforms such as Scratch, Kahootz and GameMaker.
In Year 9, students can further challenge their thinking and extend their skills with electives including Forensic Science, Marine Biology, Food Technology and Information Technology. At Year 10, students with a keen interest in STEM or who are considering pursuing similar subjects in VCE may select from a range of electives including General Science, Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Computing, Electronics, Food Technology and Woodwork.
Year 11 – 12
STEM subjects in VCE and VET can lead to a vast array of exciting careers in Engineering, ICT and Sciences in several industries including health, aerospace, construction, cybersecurity, mining and many more. The job opportunities are endless and constantly evolving. Past students of VUSC have gone on to study aviation, engineering, computer science, biomedicine, nursing, health science and other sciences, and ICT at university.
VUSC offers an extensive range of STEM subjects at VCE and VET level. Please see the Senior Secondary Handbook for more information.
STEM Events for Students
Students at VUSC are provided with opportunities to investigate and strengthen their interest in STEM by participating in our annual STEM Fair and niche programs such as the ABCN STEM Innovate program. Students participate in problem-solving activities in collaboration with industry workers.
The following are some of the students’ comments after participating in the Innovate program:
STEM program was really fun because there were mentors that worked together with us to create masterpieces or solve puzzles using our school subjects such as Science and Maths. Our team had failure and success but it was all fun.
I learnt the education that is required for their job and the work ethics that are required in a workplace. This helps me to think about my future.
I loved it especially the engineering and maths sessions.
I learnt that solving problems is not easy and also I enjoyed it.
It was so fun. I would recommend it because it’s a great way to learn how to collaborate and communicate with others, it can also help you learn new skills you can use as well as great memories.
I would recommend this for my peers to get to know other people and to get their minds thinking about the future.
I learnt how to share my ideas and speak more confidently.
This program has opened my mind to the different possibilities in the future.
