The Redlynch State College Science and Technology Excellence Program runs from Year 8 through to Year 10. The program offers identified students the opportunity to extend and enhance their skills and knowledge within and beyond the Science, Mathematics and Technology curriculums. The focus on inquiry based learning allows students to explore concepts and develop skills that support their Junior studies and their prospective Senior pathways. Science, Technology and Mathematics touches every aspect of our lives, from our smartphones to the technologies that enable us to explore the world around us and outer space. It also drives innovation in our fast-changing global economy. To succeed in this environment and for Queensland to continue to prosper into the future, our students need a strong foundation in these fields.
The program is led by expert teachers and supported by local scientists and organisations. Students will have the opportunity to compete in extra-curricular regional, state and national competitions and challenges, providing them with connections to the community and future educational pathways.
This is a unique opportunity for Redlynch State College students as it allows students, from an early age, the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge to support their future pathways. The skills developed, such as critical thinking, problem solving and analytical capabilities, are valued by employers making career options almost limitless. The program will empower students in their chosen field or enable them to invent their own job that does not yet exist.
We need a reliable pipeline of specialist STEM skills; but we also need informed workers, users and consumers who have the curiosity and imagination to be part of the broader STEM economy. This must be underpinned by lifetime engagement for all Australians with STEM, beginning in childhood and constantly renewed as knowledge and technologies expand. (Office of the Chief Scientist STEM: Australia's Future, September 2014, p21)