dalby state high school stem academy
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Dalby State High School STEM Academy Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics Pathways for Years 5 – 13
Improving students' capability to participate in a global economy that requires
high levels of STEM skills to solve problems and drive innovation.
Year 5 STEM Connections
Year 6 STEM Connections
Year 7Australian
Curriculum STEM Subjects
STEM Pathways Class
Year 8Australian
Curriculum STEM Subjects
STEM Pathways Class
The Archimedes Project
Year 9Australian
Curriculum STEM Subjects
STEM Pathways Class
The Archimedes Project
Year 10Australian
Curriculum STEM Pathways Subjects
STEM Chronos Project
Year 11Queensland Curriculum &
Assessment Authority STEM Subjects
STEM Chronos Project
Trade Futures Innovate Ag
Year 12Queensland Curriculum &
Assessment Authority STEM Subjects
STEM Chronos Project
Trade Futures Innovate AgSchool-based
University STEM Subjects
Year 13 University STEM Degrees
STEM Employment
STEM Vocational Training
Dalby State High School STEM Academy Dalby State High School is committed to providing STEM education across all year levels
and delivers on this in a variety of ways. Within that agenda, the school delivers a specific
nine year pathway for students interested in a career, tertiary study or vocational
training in STEM: from Year 5 until the all-important first year post-school. STEM
Academy Members are initially selected by their primary schools, but multiple
opportunities for inclusion in the STEM Academy occur along the nine year pathway.
STEM Academy Members have access to unique and distinctive uniform options (a polo
shirt to identify them as a STEM Academy Member) which can be worn on STEM
Connections days (primary school students) and on a Wednesday (Dalby State High
School students). Polo shirts will be provided free of charge each year. A teacher mentor
will be appointed to guide students along the way as they learn and engage through a
nine-year learning pathway that is structured and themed around the delivery of
contemporary and futures focussed STEM curriculum.
STEM Academy Members also participate in a wide range of STEM experiences that are
facilitated by universities, government departments, local councils and other
organizations. These include (but are not limited to):
World of Maths
Women in Welding
Choose Maths Mentoring
Opti-MINDS
QAMT Mathematics Team Challenge
Coding excursions to QUT ‘The Cube’
Robogals
Engineers without Borders
STEM Punks
Ag Inspirations
QODE Conference
Wonder of Science
Queensland Rural Regional & Remote Women’s
Network Conference
STEM Connections: In partnership with Dalby State School and Dalby South State School, Dalby State High School engages Year 5 &
6 students in STEM project-based, collaborative, hands-on experiential learning that take students away from
‘pen and paper’ learning, providing them with tangible experiences and an understanding of how the skills they
are learning will influence the world around them. Students visit the high school’s Trade Training Centre to
engage with the program on a weekly basis at various times across the school year.
STEM Connections harnesses the passion for change and innovation by engaging students in STEM learning and
providing them with the opportunities they need to develop ‘the four Cs’ of 21st century learning skills:
Critical thinking
Creative thinking
Communicating
Collaborating
This is achieved through:
Critical analysis of Human Centred Design (HCD) problems, and subsequent solutions.
Creative thinking processes to find solutions to HCD problems (innovation).
ICT software manipulation.
Computer Aided Drawing (CAD), Computer Aided Machining (CAM) rapid prototyping skills.
Developing an interest in STEM based pathways.
Enriching and enhancing Technology units being delivered in the students’ ‘home school’ program to
ensure transferability of concepts and skills.
Australian Curriculum STEM Subjects: The junior secondary curriculum offerings at Dalby State High School are based on a core program of
Australian Curriculum subjects. Within that program, students in Year 7 complete the subjects of:
Science
Mathematics
Technologies (Home Economics & Industrial
Design & Technology)
STEM Pathways Classes: STEM Academy students study Science and Mathematics in themed classes with a strong STEM focus. These
classes maintain their Australian Curriculum alignment, but include advanced academic concepts in STEM
education. STEM Pathways classes provide a perfect transition experience from STEM Connection in Years 5 &
6 into The Archimedes Project in Years 8 & 9.
More information about Australian Curriculum subjects can be found here:
https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/
Australian Curriculum STEM Subjects: The junior secondary curriculum offerings at Dalby State High School are based on a core program of
Australian Curriculum subjects. Within that program, students in Years 8 & 9 complete the subjects:
Science
Mathematics
Students also select various Technology options including:
Home Economics
Industrial Design & Technology
Agricultural Science
Graphics & Design
Digital Technologies
More information about Australian Curriculum subjects can be found here:
https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/
The Archimedes Project: The Archimedes Project is one of three subjects within the Apollo Program which is a multi-disciplinary
program for Year 8 & 9 students where they are encouraged to:
Develop their capacity to learn and play an active role in their own learning.
Think deeply and logically, and obtain and evaluate evidence in a disciplined way as the result of studying
fundamental disciplines.
Are creative, innovative and resourceful, and are able to solve problems in ways that draw upon a range of
learning areas and disciplines.
Plan activities independently, collaborate, work in teams and communicate ideas.
Make sense of their world and think about how things have become the way they are.
Are motivated to reach their full potential.
More information about The Apollo Program can be found here:
https://dalbyshs.eq.edu.au/Supportandresources/Formsanddocuments/Documents/Apollo_Guide_2020.pdf
The Apollo Program has been developed to ensure that students who achieve academically at primary school
remain engaged in their studies. Research indicates that many high achieving students lose interest in their
education between the ages of twelve and fifteen. This program will ensure that these students remain engaged,
challenged and highly motivated during this period of their schooling.
Apollo students will be well prepared to work at the higher level and at the faster pace that is expected of
students in their senior years of study. They will be well prepared to manage not only the quantity of work that
needs to be covered, but also to meet the more rigorous intellectual demands expected of them.
Why Archimedes?
Archimedes was a Greek mathematician, physicist, engineer, inventor and astronomer. He has not only
inspired the name of this STEM focussed subject, but had also contributed to its subject matter through his
invention of simple machines as well as his approximation of Pi ().
The overarching framework for the Archimedes Project are the new Queensland Curriculum & Assessment
Authority Aerospace Systems and Engineering subjects:
https://www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/downloads/portal/syllabuses/snr_aerospace_sys_19_syll.pdf
https://www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/downloads/portal/syllabuses/snr_engineering_19_syll.pdf
Project Structure & Content
Classes will be delivered as an elective, timetabled subject in years 8 & 9 and take the form of a project based,
intellectually challenging learning journey. It is important to note that the content of The Archimedes Project
does not lie solely with any key learning areas (although Queensland Curriculum & Assessment Authority Year
11 & 12 syllabuses form the framework for the program).
Year 8
Skills in identifying strengths and limitations, hypothesising, working in groups, designing and testing prototypes,
communicating in written, oral and digital contexts, applying Mathematical skills and rules to experimental
situations and research techniques are built during Year 8 within the context of ‘Motion’ and ‘Coding and
Robotics’. Students complete assessment including a multimodal presentation and a Technical Engineering
Report.
Year 9
The skills of identifying strengths and limitations, hypothesising, working in groups, designing and testing
prototypes, communicating in written, oral and digital contexts, applying Mathematical skills and rules to
experimental situations and research techniques are extended in Year 9. Students work within the contexts of
‘Bridge Design’ and ‘Aeronautics’. Year 9 students complete assessment including written reports, a multimodal
presentation and an analysed model of a bridge.
All students at Dalby State High School have the opportunity to apply for a place in The Archimedes Project, but
STEM Academy students have automatic entry.
STEM Pathways Classes: STEM Academy students study Science and Mathematics in themed classes with a strong STEM focus. These
classes maintain their Australian Curriculum alignment, but include advanced academic concepts in STEM
education. STEM Pathways classes provide a perfect companion learning experience alongside the Archimedes
Project in Years 8 & 9.
More information about Australian Curriculum subjects can be found here:
https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/
Australian Curriculum STEM Pathways Subjects: The Year 10 curriculum offerings at Dalby State High School continue to be based on a core program of Australian
Curriculum subjects. These subjects are strongly focussed on preparation for Years 11 & 12. Both the curriculum
content and assessment types, whilst maintaining their Year 10 Australian Curriculum alignment, are modelled
heavily on Year 11 & 12.
Within that program, students in Year 10 can select a series of STEM subjects including:
General Mathematics
Mathematical Methods
Essential Mathematics
Agricultural Practices
Agricultural Science
Biology & Science in Practice
Chemistry & Physics
Hospitality
Information Communication & Technology
Industrial Graphics
Industrial Design & Technology
More information about Australian Curriculum subjects can be found here:
https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/
STEM Chronos Project: Another project within the aforementioned Apollo Program is The Chronos Project; Extend & Accelerate.
Why Chronos ?
Chronos was the Greek god of time; this project accelerates students through the time demands of Years 11 &
12.
Year 10 students can benefit from the ultimate innovative approach to academic success with the
commencement of accelerated academic pathways through Years 10, 11 and 12. Selected students may
commence their senior program a full year ahead of their peers; providing opportunities for extension and
challenge. There are many researched benefits of accelerating high-achieving students including:
An increase in academic achievement.
A tendency to outperform students of similar ability who were not accelerated.
As a part of the Chronos project students complete six subjects which contribute to an Australian Tertiary
Admission Rank (ATAR) spread over a three year period. Students who are not selected or do not wish to
complete a full six subject load through Chronos have the opportunity to accelerate in one or two STEM subjects.
This is a unique and challenging project and a limited number of students will be invited to participate each year.
Year 9 students will be given the opportunity to apply for entry into the Chronos Project each September, to
commence in Year 10 the following year. The application process includes a written application, interview,
completion of Sayler’s Gifted and Talented Checklists and a thorough examination of academic records. Students
who are seeking to accelerate in one or two STEM subjects must also have a career ambition in STEM and a
strong capacity for STEM learning.
Queensland Curriculum & Assessment Authority (QCAA) STEM Subjects: The Year 11 &12 curriculum offerings at Dalby State High School are based on a core program of
Queensland Curriculum & Assessment Authority subjects.
Within that program, students can select a series of STEM subjects including:
General Mathematics
Mathematical Methods
Essential Mathematics
Agricultural Practices
Agricultural Science
Biology
Chemistry
Design
Physics
Hospitality Practices
Information Communication & Technology
Industrial Graphics Skills
Certificate I Manufacturing (Pathways)
Certificate II Engineering (Pathways)
More information about Queensland Curriculum & Assessment Authority subjects can be found here:
https://www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/senior/senior-subjects
Trade Futures: The Trade Futures program is designed for Year 11 & 12 students interested in a career in an Engineering,
Manufacturing, Construction, Automotive or Resources sector (or related fields). Industry consultation along
with listening to the students in terms of their chosen career pathways and valuing the vocational pathways as
much as traditional academic programs has been considered in the development of the program. The program’s
innovative way of delivering vocational education & training is designed to deliver ‘industry ready’ workers to
their relevant industry sectors, with unique training experiences for students. It encompasses a mentoring
program that enables students to explore and experience various industry sectors before committing, together
with developing an understanding of the linkage between school curriculum and the workplace.
Students engage with a combination of General and / or Applied Queensland Curriculum & Assessment
Authority subjects and three vocational certificates. Students spend a significant amount of time within industry
placement (may also require holiday work). The program has also been developed to allow school based
apprentices and trainees to continue their education uninterrupted as all certificates are offered in a whole day
delivery mode.
Course structure:
Essential English
General or Essential Mathematics
Industrial Graphics Skills
Certificate II in Engineering (Pathways)
Certificate II in Engineering
Certificate II in Manufacturing Technology
Additional Cert I / II in Construction or
Certificate II Automotive Preparation
This program is mainly delivered at the Dalby State High School Trade Training Centre. Students are regularly
required at worksites for early starts and late finishes are very likely.
Innovate Ag: The Innovate Ag program is designed for students wishing to obtain nationally recognised qualifications related
to livestock, cropping, horticulture, ag-technology and general agricultural practices. This course prepares
students who are interested in gaining employment in the agricultural industry directly from school or entering
further tertiary education upon completion of the Certificate III course.
This program is mainly delivered at the school’s Bunya Campus. Students are regularly required for early starts
and late finishes are very likely.
Pathways
The Innovate Ag program can establish a basis for further education and employment in a range of fields and
specific vocations, including retail, station hand, horse trainer, forestry assistant, crop farmer, horticultural
assistant, groundskeeper, poultry products inspector, jillaroo, jackaroo, meat inspector, greenkeeper, parks
officer, piggery assistant or feedlot assistant.
Course structure:
Essential English
Essential Mathematics
Certificate II in Engineering
Certificate II / III in Agriculture
Certificate II in Rural Operations
(Additional certificates are available)
School-based University STEM Subjects: Selected Year 12 students have the opportunity to commence an undergraduate university program through
the University of Southern Queensland’s Head Start program. One subject can be studied each semester and
STEM offerings (as of May 2019) include:
Elements of Graphic Design
Introduction to Engineering and Built
Environment Applications
Introduction to Engineering Design,
Engineering Materials
Information Systems Concepts
Foundation Programming
Data Analysis
Medical Microbiology and Immunology
Science Fundamentals
Geographic Information Systems
Human Anatomy and Physiology
More information about Head Start can be found here: https://www.usq.edu.au/study/school-
leaver/programs/head-start
Dalby State High School STEM Academy graduates will be prepared for the all-important Year 13. Critical case
management (through STEM mentors and Guidance Officers) will determine a Year 13 pathway that is unique
and strongly STEM focussed. Whether it be university study, employment or further training, STEM Academy
students will be ready and able to live, work and succeed in a globalized world.
Example Dalby State High School STEM Academy Pathway: Jane Johnson is a year 5 student at Dalby South School in 2020:
Year 5 (2020)
Jane is selected for the STEM Connections program and gains entry to the STEM
Academy
Year 6 (2021) Jane continues with STEM Connections
Year 7 (2022)
Jane completes the compulsory Australian
Curriulum STEM Subjects
Jane is in the STEM Pathways Class for Maths and Science
Year 8 (2023)
Jane selects Australian Curriulum STEM Subjects:
Industrial Design & Technology and Digital Technologies
Jane continues with the STEM Pathways Class for Maths and
Science
Jane is automatic entry for the The Archimedes
Project
Year 9 (2024)
Jane continues with Industrial Design & Technology and Design and Digital Technologies
Jane continues with the STEM Pathways Class for Maths and
Science
Jane continues with The Archimedes Project
Year 10 (2025)
Jane selects Australian Curriculum STEM Pathways Subjects: Biology & Science in Practice, Industrial
Design & Technology
Jane is accelerated in Chemistry and Mathematical Methods through the STEM Chronos Project
Year 11 (2026)
Jane selects Queensland Curriculum & Assessment Authority STEM Subjects: Physics,
Information Communication & Technology
Jane is accelerated in Chemistry and Mathematical Methods through the
STEM Chronos Project
Year 12 (2027)
Jane continues with Queensland Curriculum & Assessment Authority STEM Subjects: Physics,
Information Communication & Technology
Jane completes school-based University STEM Subjects: Introduction to Engineering and Built
Environment Applications & Introduction to Engineering Design, Engineering Materials
Year 13 (2028)
Jane commences a Bacehelor of Engineering Degree at University after
gaining direct entry with her ATAR
Please note that the STEM Academy program does not cover the entirity of a student's learning from Year 5 - 12. All mandated elements of the Australian Curriculum and
Queensland Curriculum & Assessment Authority Curriculum are included.