Melbourne schools are working to become “smart”, as a number of institutions innovate with the use of forward-looking subjects.
The Weekly Review reported that daily virtual reality experiences, deep space travel, artificial intelligence are just a few concepts that could become a reality over the next few decades – a future Melbourne’s independent schools are preparing for.
Referred to as “smart schools”, the concept encompasses those that not only educate, but innovate through the use of technology, preparing students for the future workforce.
Helen Carmody, Korowa Anglican Girls’ School principal told The Weekly Review smart schools are responding to rapid changes in science and technology occurring globally.
“Our students are graduating into a world with very different demands compared to the past, as a result of globalisation, technological development and the changing nature of work,” Ms Carmody said.
“Across the school, our programs are focused on developing key 21st-century skill-sets in our students, such as entrepreneurship, problem-solving, collaboration and innovation.
“Our students’ learning experiences build on the principles of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) and the Maker Movement (the creating, tinkering and sharing of ideas).”
Ms Carmody said Korowa introduced new electives in mobile phone app development and computer game design this year.
At Camberwell Girls Grammar School, a similar approach has been implemented, with students participating in the Girls Invent program, which encourages students to be entrepreneurial while studying science, technology, engineering, art and maths.
Debbie Dunwoody, Principal of Camberwell Girls Grammar School, told The Weekly Review Girls Invent connects students to these subjects and allows them to think creatively and innovatively, with coding as a strong focus.
“The program really connects our students to all elements of STEAM and focuses them on design thinking. The girls work collaboratively to bring ideas to life. From concept to design and development, marketing to distribution and sales – Girls Invent is a program so relevant to their futures,” Ms Dunwoody said.
“Our partnerships with Xero and Telstra have seen Code Clubs formed at both the junior and senior school, with experts from each organisation running weekly coding workshops.”