Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) are key subject areas for young people seeking the jobs of the future.

The 11th Informa STEM Education Conference in Sydney on 30-31 July presents an opportunity for educators, policy makers and industry leaders to gain insights into evolving career paths that a STEM-based education can offer.

STEM is a powerful force in education, so much so it has been credited with helping turn around the fortunes of Granville Boys High School.

Granville Boys High Deputy Principal, Fiona Donnelly, will speak at the conference.

She said 10 years ago the school was making waves for all the wrong reasons.

Low ATARs and perceptions of a poor learning culture, combined with the school regularly receiving a bad rap in the media, meant Granville Boys was known as a “tough school”.

Over the past five years, enrolments have surged from 490 to 780 and the school has a waiting list of more than 200.

In 2023, Granville Boys was among the most improved NSW public schools in the top three HSC bands.

Ms Donnelly credited one particular intervention with turning performance and perceptions around.

“We introduced a robotics and STEAM program in 2020 and it has been a huge success,” she said.

The project-based learning initiative started with humble ambitions, aiming to boost students’ skills.

Ms Donnelly said it had transformed the school’s learning culture, with benefits that have rippled into many aspects of the student experience.

“Where we once had disengaged students, we now have the opposite. Students are really keen to learn and come to school each day,” Ms Donnelly said.

“The program features timetabled lessons and dedicated facilities, which remain open to students during recess and lunchtime.

“They have become a meeting place where students develop STEM skills in a positive social environment.

“The perception of school has changed in the media and community. We’ve had nothing but positive coverage and we’ve become the local school of choice.”

The 2024 STEM Education Conference agenda will include:

• Keynote Address - addressing barriers to STEM careers.

• Empowering Innovators
  

• Diversity in STEM - supporting girls and women in STEM through initiatives like the UniSA STEM Girls Academy.

• Integrating STEM - Panel Discussion on successful implementation of STEM programs at various educational levels.

• Innovative Approaches - case studies and pilot studies highlighting innovative approaches and hands-on STEM challenges.

• STEM Pathways - panel discussion on promoting equity and success in STEM careers, addressing economic barriers and the importance of continuous professional development.
  

• Addressing Teacher Shortages

Registrations for the conference are now open.