Making Science Meaningful

South Australia's future SACE office chose Science21 to work with 14 schools across the state on the School to Work Mathematics and Science Program to "bring to life maths and science for students and helping them see the varied career opportunities on offer."

Expertise and experience from around South Australia will be brought to bear to help develop capacity within the schools involved and share information to support students' success in science in the context of the new SACE. Each of the projects is driven by the education practitioners themselves and all aim to encourage students to engage with their science education and the pathways to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) related careers.

There are a range of capacity building projects within the program, taking into consideration the existing capabilities, expertise and experience within the science teams in each school and the needs that the teachers themselves have identified. For example, some of the science teams will be progressing their ability to:

• develop mechanisms of engagement with industry, universities and other STEM-related organizations;
• develop inquiry-based learning approaches using real-world applications and contexts;
• develop electronic learning environments which capitalise on the relationships between learners and provide opportunities for collaborative learning and sophisticated assessment within science.

Education Minister Jane Lomax-Smith said, "These programs will help prepare young people for further education and training and highly skilled jobs,"

"The worst brain drain isn't young South Australians moving interstate; it's young people not completing their schooling and reaching their potential. School to Work initiatives will encourage more young people to stay to complete their SACE and improve their chances of achieving rewarding careers."

"Schools taking part in these programs will pioneer innovative ways to keep students engaged in education and training, with successful examples shared across the State to increase the number of students achieving their potential."

Science21 will ensure that every school involved receives the support they need and an associated research project will ensure that the underpinning characteristics of success are captured. This research evidence can then be used to inform decisions about the type of support that schools will need in the future.

The schools involved are:

Blackwood High School (DECS)

Cornerstone College (Independent)

Fremont-Elizabeth City High School (DECS)

Gleeson College (Catholic Education)

Golden Grove High School (DECS)

Hamilton Secondary College (DECS)

Heathfield High School (DECS)

Henley High School (DECS)

Mary MacKillop College (Catholic Education)

Mount Gambier High School (DECS)

Open Access College (DECS)

Roxby Downs Area School (DECS)

University Senior College (Independent)

Urrbrae Agricultural High School (DECS)