The Macquarie University Science Partnership
The Science Partnership was launched in 2007 with the New South Wales Department of Education and Training. The partnership is a model of university and school collaboration designed to provide students with opportunities to engage and excel in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects. It supports and implements innovative teaching and learning practices to over 8,000 students from K-12.
The partnership involves the Peninsula Community of Schools (PCS) which is made up of 13 schools on the Northern Beaches of Sydney - Barrenjoey HS, Avalon PS, Bilgola Plateau PS, Newport PS, Pittwater HS, Mona Vale PS, Elanora Heights PS, Narrabeen Sports HS, Narrabeen North PS, Narrabeen Lakes PS, Collaroy Plateau PS, Wheeler Heights PS and Cromer PS and Macquarie University.
The partnership has been showcased to educators from Western Australia, Victoria and other school education areas of NSW. In each year of our partnership, we have sought to expand the STEM Project. Since 2007 our partnership has:
- Increased the number of students who study Science in the senior school through the promotion of STEM and a shared curriculum line for senior students
- Conducted science projects that have focused on Sedimentation, Astronomy, 3-D Gaming and Biology
- Created a Science research work experience program through the University for secondary students
- Conducted local ecological studies through the university’s ICT Centre for primary students using Year 9 students as mentors
- Implemented the Tutor Program using Macquarie University students to support secondary student learning in Science classrooms
- Assisted PhD students in the collection of data and support material for ongoing scientific research in our schools Jesse Arundell Narrabeen Sports HS at work Experience at Macquarie University.
- Organised professional learning for teachers with university staff to further develop their understanding of science and current research trends
- Organised a comprehensive professional learning program for all staff that reflects our interest in STEM based learning and quality teaching and learning.
- Introduced robotics as an innovative tool for delivering STEM curriculum K- 10 developed support materials for staff
- Provided leadership opportunities for students in STEM areas
- Competed in and won the Science and Engineering Challenge in NSW State in 2008 and was the only public school to compete in the final
- Developed and implemented a Travelling Road Show to engage K -2 students
- Provided Immersion Days at the request of the schools both at the University and on school sites
Through the Macquarie University Partnership, and by working collaboratively between the 13 schools, we have been able to significantly increase the learning opportunities for students and staff over a 3 year period and continue to do so.
While the partnership is now in its 4th year in 2010, 2009 was a breakthrough year for this partnership. In 2009 DET and Macquarie University agreed to jointly fund a STEM Project Coordinator who would be based both at the University and with the Peninsula Community of Schools to liaise and further develop the partnership. The focus of the STEM Project moved to include a greater number of initiatives in the primary schools. The Peninsula Community of Schools targeted K -2 as an area of development as they were identified by the Principals as a group who felt disenfranchised from the partnership.
During 2009 the successful partnership between Macquarie University and the Peninsula Community of Schools was recognised by two separate organizations. The partnership was acknowledged by the Department of Education and Training with a Ministerial Award - The Cohesive Community Schools Award - of which only one is awarded each year. The Peninsula Community of Schools in partnership with Macquarie University won The Cohesive Community Schools Award for the development of a collaborative learning community K -12. The second award was the Inaugural NAB Schools First Impact Award which recognizes effective school and community partnerships that help improve student outcomes. The partnership was one of 68 learning communities across Australia that was awarded $50,000 to develop their existing school and community partnership.
Contact:
Jann Pattinson
STEM Project Manager
Macquarie University
Phone: 02 9850 4170
Email: jann.pattinson@mq.edu.au