Leading the STEM revolution

OUR world is changing fast. Currently, 60 per cent of new jobs require skills held by just 20 per cent of the workforce. It is estimated that 75 per cent of the fastest growing occupations require STEM related skills and knowledge, while 40 per cent of Australian jobs face the risk of becoming fully automated in the next 10 to 15 years.

Educators understand that the world is constantly evolving, which means schools must implement relevant STEM learning with a basis in real world activities.

This has led Direct National to introduce STEM starter packs to schools. The starter packs are just that! An excellent means of getting your STEM precinct underway.

Manly State School principal Clayton Carnes is just starting the school on their STEM journey. A new STEM precinct is underway using the STEM starter packs as the basic foundation.

With more than 21 years’ experience supplying products to the education sector, Direct National managing director Phil Macphail knows that every school delivers the curriculum to students in different ways.

“We take the time to understand requirements, school ethos and desired outcomes,” Mr Macphail said.

“For us it’s not about product distribution, we have a firm belief at Direct National that every child, teacher and employee deserve the best resources.

“This is the driving force behind our business and why we have had substantial growth and are now Australia-wide suppliers.”

Direct National also conducts conferences across Queensland to help teachers introduce STEM precincts into their schools. These conferences aim to leave teachers inspired with a plan to engage their students.

The thrill of discovery, working alongside schools that are discovering and adding tools to their STEM precinct, outlining the most suitable options and offering ongoing support and expertise advice with all supplied products, is at the heart of Direct National’s approach.

Many schools have already begun the STEM journey. Goodna State School is a prime example and with the help of Direct National uses hands-on, practical tools and flexible spaces to inspire, encourage, and support students to play, discover, explore, problem solve and create real world applications for STEM.

Goodna State School has even received praise from Sir David Attenborough for their STEM projects and efforts engaging with academia and industry to provide students with a real world experience.

As a major partner with Queensland Association of State School Principals, and a key liaison with Education Queensland, Direct National understands STEM is high on the agenda, and is active in STEM developments, working alongside industry partners Microsoft, Dell and Cisco.

Partnerships with industry will not only provide opportunities for teachers to increase their skills, but will allow students to see the link between coding robotics and their future work and study.

The Queensland State Government has made a firm commitment to STEM; by 2020, 100 per cent of State Schools students will be taught coding and robotics and 100 per cent of schools will have active partnerships with industry and universities; the overall aim to create students who think, explore and question without reservation.

More information about revolutionising STEM at your school can be found at www.directnational.com.au.

The Department of Education and Training is strengthening STEM education in Queensland state schools.