From traditional textbooks to hands-on robotics, tech-savvy pupils at Kingsgrove Public School are taking innovative steps in the classroom.
It is a far cry from the unusual pencil-to-paper activities – and this one is more fun, teachers say.
The school hosted its open day on July 26 as a lead-up to Education Week 2016 (August 1-5).
This year was a particularly significant event for the school, which recently opened its refurbished science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) centre.
The new addition to the school will give children greater opportunities to explore their skills in computer coding, robotics, 3D printing and movie-making.
Kingsgrove Public School principal Bev d’Astoli says the new centre is vital to learning because STEM in schools is part of the federal government’s push to advance innovation in Australian classrooms.
“The government wants Australia to be the innovation nation – this is to ensure Australia remains a prosperous and internationally competitive country,” she said.
“The skills underpinning innovation are STEM.
“Our students are learning these skills using iPads, laptops, interactive LED screens, a 3D printer and robotics equipment.
“Students learn coding, photography, model and movie-making, engineering concepts and computer programming with Lego robotics.
“Learning in STEM skills also fosters students’ abilities in communication, creativity, problem-solving and critical thinking – and it’s fun.”