The world is changing very rapidly, with new technologies driving both future growth and a significant increase in demand for new job roles and skillsets, particularly in the STEM fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
With rapidly evolving technologies comes the need for schools to adapt their programs to ensure students are receiving quality education in the fields that are likely to result in continuous, sustainable employment.
Dandenong High School has recognised the need to ensure students are thoroughly prepared for University study and the workforce, and have decided to launch a dedicated Design Engineering Academy commencing for Year 9 students in 2022. The Academy program will be taught in the new Design Centre, a purpose-built, state-of-the-art and future-focused learning precinct.
The Academy will provide students with a deeply immersive and full-faceted STEM program and a clear learning pathway to an extensive array of tertiary courses and career opportunities. Although a specially designed STEM program, all units and subjects studied in the Academy will have a direct link to VCE subjects under the Victorian Curriculum, examples of these units may include: Cyber Security, Computational Thinking, Engineering and Robotics, The Psychology of Artificial Intelligence, Applied Physics, Coding and Programming, Software Development, Digital Design and Manufacturing and Data Analytics.
In addition, students will be actively encouraged to compete in STEM competitions at a very high level.
The Academy promises to offer a stimulating educational environment. Students will enjoy a range of enrichment and co-curricular experiences through partnerships with universities, including RMIT and Swinburne, as well as study trip opportunities to Silicon Valley in California. These opportunities will enable students to gain recognised micro-credentials and qualifications.
