Integrated STEM
Integrated STEM programs are both skills-based and content-rich with a major focus on application in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Planning STEM
Considerations when planning STEM programs in secondary schools:
Apply STEM skills and strategies
- Incorporate processes of working technologically, working mathematically, and working scientifically.
- Use strategies that enhance literacy and numeracy.
Embed 21st century skills
- Foster skills such as communication, collaboration, problem-solving, self-evaluation, ICT, and critical and creative thinking.
- Develop personal and social capabilities.
Ensure academic rigour and assessment
- Maintain high expectations of student performance.
- Implement ongoing assessment to monitor student progress.
Develop and implement integrated STEM programs
- Plan collaboratively with an Integrated STEM team.
- Ensure sustainability through succession planning.
Integrate STEM into the curriculum
Use STEM as a method to deliver part of the curriculum without compromising or adding to existing requirements.
STEM education refers collectively to the teaching of the disciplines within its umbrella – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – and also to a cross-disciplinary approach to teaching that increases student interest in STEM-related fields and inproves students' problem solving and critical analysis skills (National STEM School Education Strategy 2016–2026).
An integrated STEM framework
Quality STEM education caters for all students. Teachers move through the framework by:
Knowing your students
- Understand their needs and interests.
- Tailor the STEM education to cater to all students.
Evaluating current learning sequences
- Develop integrated sequences for STEM projects.
- Align these with current teaching and learning strategies.
Connecting concepts and themes
- Map them to appropriate STEM contexts.
- Ensure relevance and engagement.
Designing common student tasks
- Include various assessment checkpoints.
- Allow students to demonstrate their learning effectively.
Targeting syllabus/course outcomes
- Highlight necessary skills for project success.
- Align with project work with course aims and outcomes.
Planning assessments
- Use explicit quality criteria and success criteria checklists.
- Ensure clarity and transparency in assessments.
Planning learning and teaching strategies
- Implement explicit teaching for essential skills.
- Gradually release responsibility to students as they become more competent.
iSTEM department approved elective change
The iSTEM School Developed Board Endorsed course has been replaced by the iSTEM department approve elective course.
Since 2022, all NSW Department of Education schools have had the opportunity to deliver the new Department approved elective iSTEM course. This course does not require schools to obtain NESA endorsement. Schools are now required to register using the 2025 department approved elective course registration form.
Information for schools implementing this course, including course documents and sample scope and sequences, can be located on the Stage 5 department approved elective webpage. Curriculum resources are available from iSTEM course webpage.
Additional curriculum support for teachers focussing on content and teaching strategies are available through the Secondary STEM Statewide Staffroom. Support for the implementation of this or other department approved electives will be available through the Teaching and Learning 7–12 Statewide Staffroom.