FUTURE Ready

from Huddle Autumn 2023

by St Aidan's Anglican Girls' School

The Last Word

MRS JENNY CROME HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL

Year 4 Academy for Enterprising Girls

Research: A 2021 Accenture report noted that, gender inequality in entrepreneurship and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields is a significant missed opportunity for Australia’s economy and that women continue to remain underrepresented as entrepreneurs, with just one female entrepreneur for every eight males. Women in Australia face additional barriers that prevent them from translating their innovative abilities into commercial outcomes. One of the key barriers is the lack of essential problem-solving, creative thinking, and technical skills; including data analysis and product development; all of which are critical to successful entrepreneurship. With this in mind, the Year 4 students have embarked on a project designed to cultivate their skills in design thinking, entrepreneurial and business skills.

Why: We believe that all girls should be given the opportunity to develop these entrepreneurial (21st century) skills.

The Project: The girls work collaboratively in small groups to meet design challenges. Each challenge focuses on different elements of design thinking and develops an entrepreneurial mindset.

Year 5 STEM Project: Engineering and Design Thinking using Makedo

Research: According to a 2019 OECD Report, 85% of jobs in 2030 have not been invented yet. To address this, there must be “a priority focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).”

When done well, STEM education complements the development of 21st century skills. It’s predicted that future workers will spend more than twice as much time on job tasks requiring science, maths and critical thinking than today.” https://www.education.gov.au/australian-curriculum/nationalstem-education-resources-toolkit/introductory-material-whatstem/why-stem-important

However, girls and women face systematic obstacles in accessing and pursuing STEM fields, with only 28% of the STEM workforce being female, and men outnumbering women in most STEM majors at universities. St Aidan’s challenges this trend by promoting STEM education for girls.

Why: The future requires creators, innovators and problem solvers who can adapt and pivot when necessary to flourish in a rapidly changing world. In this future, STEM skills are vital.

The Project: Students are using the design thinking process and Makedo tools to collaboratively solve real-life problems related to the curriculum. Working in House groups, they are developing skills such as ideation, empathy, teamwork, and criteria development while solving a problem in the historical novel they are studying. These activities encourage the girls to test and refine their ideas, work collaboratively, and consider different perspectives to develop solutions that meet the criteria for success.

Year 6 Wearable Art Unit entitled Botanicals

Research: Children who study the arts achieve more highly academically (Habibia, Cahn, Damasioa & Damasioa, 2016). Added to this study of the arts is the development of self-discipline, ability to focus, and increased capacity to abstract information for artistic endeavours. Positive effects that come through the study and creation of visual arts and performance strengthens critical thinking skills, visual and spatial skills, confidence and presentation skills needed to navigate an unknown future.

Why: The future requires critical and creative thinkers with confidence.

The Project: Year 6 students work in groups to design, make and prepare a garment using creative, multi-dimensional media. They are encouraged to tell a rich story through the materials chosen to build the piece. Following the creation of their item they organise a showcase for parents. The theme of the showcase is Botanicals. Students are challenged to expand their problem-solving skills, foster their collaboration skills and enhance their curiosity.

Junior School

Swim Fast. Finish Faster

Interhouse Swimming

MRS TRACEY JEANES-FRASER

The Junior School Interhouse Swimming Carnival held on Tuesday 7 February was a huge success, with students from all Houses exhibiting true penguin spirit. Our girl’s put in an amazing effort and their performance showcased the Swimming Captains motto - Swim fast, Finish faster!