STEM Digital Technology Program

For several years, SACOME has been calling for the implementation of a new Digital Technology program to be rolled out in schools to support STEM learning and development.
The teaching of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in schools is vital to ensuring South Australia keeps pace with technological change to advance its economy and prosperity.
 
Industry and education both play a key role in supporting students to understand the realities and needs of the STEM workforce and to prepare students for the big career challenges and opportunities ahead. South Australia’s resources sector is continuously evolving with the emergence of new technologies including robotics, automation, data science, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality.
 
From May 2024, primary school students across South Australia will be learning new skills in automation in a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) pilot program launched in six Catholic schools.

SACOME partnered with Catholic Education South Australia (CESA) to introduce the STEM Digital Technology Pilot to the following schools in collaboration with industry partners, BHP, Nyrstar, Hillgrove Resources, Fortescue and SIMEC Mining:
  • St Barbara’s Parish School, Roxby Downs
  • St Mark’s College, Port Pirie
  • St Francis de Sales College, Mt Barker
  • Caritas College, Port Augusta
  • Samaritan College, Whyalla
  • St Aloysius College, Adelaide

The pilot engages students in fun, hands-on challenges demonstrating real-world application of fundamental digital technology skills in industries including the resources sector, defence, robotics, information technology and more. It was designed to align with the Australian Curriculum and will be rolled out to students from Reception to Year 6.

The program is based on the highly successful ‘Digital Technologies Program’ implemented by The Chamber of Minerals and Energy Western Australia (CMEWA) in over 70 schools in regional WA. A co-designed initiative between curriculum experts Grok Academy, and industry subject matter experts from the mining and energy sector, each challenge aligns with Australian Curriculum outcomes for students.

The content of the WA program has since been adapted and tailored to align with South Australian schools. The development and implementation of the STEM Digital Technology Pilot is fully funded by SACOME and industry partners and includes the provision of challenge kits and access to an online learning platform for schools and teachers.

The pilot aims to empower educators to teach STEM skills, increase student interest in technology-based career pathways, and support the future skilled-talent pipeline crucially needed for the South Australian resources sector and other essential industries.

SACOME continues to call on the State Government to fund this program more broadly in SA to ensure the pipeline of talent needed for the growth of our State in future is nurtured now.​

STEM Digital Technology Program Briefing Note

The STEM Digital Pilot completed in six Catholic South Australian Schools in Term 2 of 2024 has made a significant impact on both teachers and students. Program activities provide clear learning tasks that better align with learning outcomes, and enhance students’ understanding of coding and digital technologies.

100% of participating school leaders endorse the STEM Digital Technology Program, praising its resources, face-to-face professional learning, ongoing support, alignment with the Australian Curriculum, industry connections, realistic scenarios, and the sense of being part of a supportive network of schools.

In addition, 100% of schools participating in the Pilot are keen to continue the Program, with 75% considering the integration of all automations as a comprehensive approach to digital learning.​

STEM Digital Program Briefing Note
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