dalby state high school stem academy

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


STEM Pathways Class

The Archimedes Project

Year 9Australian


STEM Pathways Class

The Archimedes Project

Year 10Australian

Curriculum STEM Pathways Subjects

STEM Chronos Project

Year 11Queensland Curriculum &

Assessment Authority STEM Subjects


Trade Futures Innovate Ag

Year 12Queensland Curriculum &

Assessment Authority STEM Subjects


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



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


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.

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



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


Biology & Science in Practice

Chemistry & Physics

Hospitality

Information Communication & Technology

Industrial Graphics

Industrial Design & Technology



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


Agricultural Practices


Biology

Chemistry

Design

Physics

Hospitality Practices


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

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


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.

https://www.usq.edu.au/study/school-leaver/programs/head-start

https://www.usq.edu.au/study/school-leaver/programs/head-start

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,


Jane is accelerated in Chemistry and Mathematical Methods through the


Year 12 (2027)

Jane continues with Queensland Curriculum & Assessment Authority STEM Subjects: Physics,


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.