Research suggests that girls’ confidence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) starts to waver as they move through the schooling system. St Dominic’s Priory College Director of Technology Enrichment, Joanne Villis, tells us us how St Dom’s plans to change that.
In 2022, the Australian Government found that only 36 percent of STEM university course enrolments were female, and an even lower percentage of women work in male-dominated science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields*. Finding ways to change these statistics is paramount to shifting gendered stereotypes and achieving parity in STEM industries. St Dominic’s Priory College is developing the next generation of girls who are passionate about these subject areas thanks to an immersive and industry-focused STEM curriculum.
“St Dominic’s is unique in that we cater for and build upon our girls’ STEM interests from Reception through toYear 12,” says Director of Technology Enrichment, Joanne Villis. Joanne draws on emerging and innovative technologies and combines them with industry best practices to enhance students’ education. “My role will involve creating spaces for innovation,”she says. “Spaces where personalised learning is enhanced, collaboration is heightened, student engagement is elevated and creativity flourishes.
Exploring the collaborative, creative and immersive aspects of science, technology and engineering subjects and applying them to everyday problems is one of the strengths of St Dominic’s leading curriculum. In Years 5 and 6, students participate in a week-long STEM program where girls identify real-world issues of interest and then design and develop solutions as a team.
Comparatively, Stage 2 Design, Technology and Engineering students are ideating and developing prototypes and potential solutions to address societal issues. One student is using 3D modelling software to design sustainable solutions to address the housing crisis in the Phillipines. Another student is using the design thinking process to create a graphical user interface to support individuals living with Alzheimer’s.
Critical thinking and analytical skills are also interdisciplinary and applicable to other education domains like art, fashion and design. “For example, we have another student working on a 3D printing project.She was concerned about fast fashion, so she’s exploring designing and 3D-printing her own garments,” Joanne says.
By equipping students with skills needed to achieve in STEM industries (like 3D-imaging, augmented reality and coding) St Dominic’s hopes to inspire girls to confidently tackle male-dominated fields, contributing to future innovations. More than 60 percent of St Dominic’s 2022 graduates chose science, computer science and engineering pathways at the university of their choice.
Further, St Dominic’s participates in numerous events organised by institutions like the University of Adelaide to encourage secondary students to pursue their STEM interests when enrolling in tertiary education. Each year, girls attend the immersive and interactive Ingenuity showcase at the University of Adelaide, where there is a Women in STEM lounge dedicated to talking to young girls about STEM degrees.
However, ultimately for Joanne, it’s about creating visibility for females working in STEM roles, studying under-represented STEM degrees, or teaching in the classroom. “Girls can’t aspire to be something they can’t see,” she says. “Take our leadership team– six of the seven members are women who lead with the goal to inspire each one of our girls to make their mark in any industry or occupation. It’s crucial for closing the gender gap.”
St Dominic’s Priory College
139 Molesworth Street, North Adelaide
08 8331 5100
stdominics.sa.edu.au
@sdpc_adelaide
South Australian Style Magazine 