iStem can be studied as a one-year course or a two-year course and is open to students in Years 9 and 10.

The iSTEM course promotes the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics through the study of technology, engineering, skills and mechanics.

Students will learn to use a range of tools, techniques and processes, including relevant technologies in order to develop solutions to a wide variety of problems relating to their present and future needs and aspirations. A recent Australian Productivity Report estimates that 75% of the fastest growing occupations require STEM skills.

The objectives of the course are:

• inquiry-based learning skills appropriate to technological and engineering

• practice skills in solving technology based problems using mechanical, graphical and scientific methods

• problem-solving skills in a range of technological and engineering contexts.

Topics may include:

• Engineering Fundamentals

• Motion

• Aerodynamics

• Computer Aided Design (CAD)

• Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM) e.g. 3D Printing, Laser Cutter

• Mechatronics (Mechanical Electronics)

• Design for Space

• Biomedical Innovations

Students will also partake in projects based on their own personal interests in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

For more information about this course, please see: Mr Magann, Mr Hersey