The proportion of jobs relying on science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) is projected to significantly increase over the next decade. This will provide incredible opportunities for rewarding employment to young Australians who have benefited from STEM education and training.1
Yet student attitudes towards science and maths deteriorate sharply between Years 6-9, student achievement in these subjects is in decline, and the proportion of Australian high school students choosing to study senior science and maths subjects at Year 12 is at an alarming low.2
To empower our students to navigate the opportunities and demands of their STEM-based future, we need to nurture their aspirations for developing STEM capabilities. We need to inspire in students the belief that the increasing importance of studying STEM is an opportunity to aspire to, not an obstacle to avoid.