STEM: Schools of Excellence in an Australian Context?

Abstract

This paper looks at the current efforts to address the challenges of declining student number in science, mathematics, engineering and technology (STEM) in upper secondary and tertiary education in Australia. One solution proposed is through teaching STEM as an integrated suite of disciplines within a STEM School of Excellence. A framework describing the process by which a STEM School of Excellence might be developed is described. The challenges, including the Australian curriculum documents and the availability of qualified staff, that would limit the capacity for such a school to be developed are also described.