Sophie Poisel – Innovation Leader and 5 Yavneh Teacher

STE(A)M partnerships

Interdisciplinary curriculum design, such as STE(A)M, has gained momentum in education as it fosters the development of the key skills our students will need to be successful in the future. We are fortunate to have recently developed a partnership to further support this in the Primary School. The CSIRO SMiS Program connects skilled volunteers with teachers to provide “access to real-world, contemporary experiences that promote understanding of the importance of STEM and inspiring students”.

Last Friday Ned Western joined us at Emanuel in what we hope will be the beginning of a wonderful long-term partnership. Mr Western is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow from the School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering at the University of New South Wales. He spoke to Year 5, describing his pathway to this field. He fascinated the students with stories, images and short clips about his work. Mr Western also took some time to work with some of our students on their projects for the Young Scientist Awards. This involved conversations that ranged from the second law of thermodynamics and energy efficiency to how to ground electricity from lightning. Mr Western is an incredibly valuable resource to have in the classroom. We look forward to welcoming Mr Western back in Week 5 and fostering more partnerships like this with experts in STE(A)M.

Partnerships of this nature offer our students the opportunity for depth and challenge, as they learn from an expert in the field. They also offer our students a window into the practical application of their interest areas, highlighting the possible pathways to talent development, as they make real world connections. We are always interested in exploring opportunities like this. If you are interested in being involved in something like this, or know someone who might be, please contact me via email spoisel@emanuelschool.nsw.edu.au.