Heritage College announces Secondary STEAM Program 

Students will have the opportunity to extend their problem-solving skills with a new STEAM intensive, commencing at Heritage College in 2021.

The program will run on a 12-month trial basis, commencing in 2021. Students entering Year 9 and 10 will be eligible to apply for residency in the program.

Head of Secondary Mr Darren Martin says the STEAM program aims to develop Year 9 and 10 students, equipping them with skills for senior pathways studies in VCE or VCAL.

‘STEAM is an approach to learning, using Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics to guide inquiry, dialogue, problem-solving and critical thinking,’ Mr Martin says.

‘The STEAM program will utilise project-based learning, where students develop working solutions to real-world problems presented’, he said.

Working in teams under the guidance of a mentor teacher, students will research, plan and present solutions to a panel using academic and practical skills.

STEAM Coordinator Mr Evan Varty says his role in the program is to provide guidance and oversight while allowing students to focus on project-based work in teams to develop solutions.

‘The world is full of problems that need solutions and students can develop the mindset of being problem-solvers,’ Mr Varty said.

The program will seek to develop partnerships with local experts who could speak with students remotely and share some of their research or pose issues to solve.

Mr Varty said he hopes the program would inspire participants, allowing them to conceptualise solutions for problems and move into their futures with confidence.

Secondary students can apply for admission to the program as part of their Arts and Technology electives.

Successful applicants will receive a letter of offer to participate in the program from the college Principal.

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