IRRAWANG High is fast becoming known for their focus on extra areas that students are passionate about, and finding and developing programs to encourage those passions.

This year, it is the Mathematics and Technology inclined students who have had an exciting new program implemented at school for them.

There are exciting times ahead for Irrawang High Year 9 iSTEM students this year.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) are identified as essential areas of study for Australia to maintain a high quality of life.

They are primary industry areas that are in demand.

Twenty-five students took iSTEM as an elective this year and are working well together in small teams and further developing their problem-solving skills, under the guidance of their teacher Mr David Graham.

Mr Graham told News Of The Area, “iSTEM is about teaching students skills to participate in the workplace, primarily teamwork and problem solving.”

“The students’ work is centred around investigation based learning.”

“They are currently working on aerodynamics, flight and rockets leading up to the aeronautical velocity challenge at the end of the month,” he said.

Many fascinating modules are covered in this investigative project based learning program ranging from Building, Project Work, Solar Power, Coding and Robotics.
The list is endless.

In smaller groups, students are currently determining two different methods of measuring the height of the school flagpole.

Their imagination and creativity to get the right outcomes are very impressive.

Having recently gained his Cert III in Remote Piloted Aircraft Systems, his CASA licence and Radio Operators Certificate, Mr Graham is well qualified to introduce our students to the exciting world of drones in the near future.

By Rachael VAUGHAN