ASISTM - Australian School Innovation in Science, Technology & Mathematics ASISTM - Australian School Innovation in Science, Technology & Mathematics Australian Government
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Complementary Initiatives

The following information about State and Territory education initiatives has been provided by the relevant State and Territory education departments. The information will assist those preparing applications for ASISTM funding to align their proposed projects with existing initiatives where this is possible and appropriate.

National | ACT | NT | NSW | QLD | SA | TAS | VIC | WA

 

NATIONAL

ASISTM is complemented by other education-related measures under Backing Australia's Ability 2.

ASISTM is further complemented by the following:

  • Australian Government funding for the third stage of the Primary Connections: Linking Science with Literacy Project, being undertaken by the Australian Academy of Science (AAS).
    http://www.science.org.au/primaryconnections/
  • Support under the Australian Government Quality Teacher Programme (AGQTP) to improve the skills and understanding of teachers in specified priority areas (including Science) and to enhance the status of teaching.
    http://www.qualityteaching.dest.gov.au
  • Development of science materials and infrastructure as part of the Le@rning Federation — Schools Online Curriculum Content Initiative.
    http://www.thelearningfederation.edu.au/
  • Development of Curriculum Corporation's ScienceLynx website to provide a science web portal linking to a variety of resources and support materials.
    http://www.curriculum.edu.au/science/index.htm
  • Development, through the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), of the Science Education Assessment Resources (SEAR) project, an online assessment resource to improve assessment of science learning in schools.
    http://cms.curriculum.edu.au/sear/
  • Other initiatives being undertaken by Questacon (http://www.questacon.edu.au/) and CSIRO Education, (http://www.nano.csiro.au/csiro/channel/pchaq,,.html) including Shell Questacon Science Circus and CSIRO's CREST project.
  • The Science Community Industry Partnerships in Science (SCIPS) initiative which funded 24 local community science-related projects involving over 40 schools across Australia in partnership with technical, commercial, government, education and community agencies and groups to promote understanding about why it is important to study science at school. Information about the project is available at http://www.scips-asta.edu.au/home.
  • The National Statements of Learning for key learning areas, including mathematics, science and information and communication technologies which are available at http://www.mceetya.edu.au/.
  • Funding for Australia's participation in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) and the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) studies of student achievement.
    http://www.pisa.oecd.org and http://nces.ed.gov/timss/
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ACT

Researching with Scientists

A programme in partnership with CSIRO to promote and support innovative science partnerships with science organisations in the ACT and with practising scientists from ANU.
http://www.csiro.au/

Curriculum Renewal

The ACT is currently undergoing a curriculum renewal, developing a new curriculum framework and teacher support documents. Essential learning achievements will not be based around key learning areas – student outcomes will be innovative and integrated.
http://activated.decs.act.gov.au

Exhibitions

All students in ACT government schools are required to undertake an 'exhibition' in Year 9. These are research projects developed over a period of time and presented at a school community Roundtable.

Student Pathways

This initiative supports all students in years 9 to 12 in ACT government secondary schools in exploring their unique set of needs and capabilities through identifying their personal strengths, interests and goals. This exploration supports their planning of potential pathways through school to further study, training and/or work, and culminates in the production of their personal Student Pathways Plan.

Literacy and Numeracy Team

The Literacy and Numeracy Team responds to the needs of teachers and schools by planning, organising and providing advice, support and professional development in a diverse range of programs and projects in literacy and numeracy. In addition the Team supports teachers to devise programs for students identified through the ACT Assessment Program as being in need of literacy and numeracy assistance. http://www.det.act.gov.au/services/literacynumeracy.htm

School Excellence

School Excellence provides an overarching framework for achieving high standards in student learning, innovation and best practice in ACT government schools – creating excellence in all aspects of learning and teaching, leadership and management, community involvement and the student environment in ACT government schools. The School Excellence initiative is grounded in the principles of implementing best practice, attaining high standards, conducting self assessment, developing innovation, promoting professional learning communities, and delivering quality teaching.
http://activated.decs.act.gov.au/sei/

The Canberra Plan

http://www.cmd.act.gov.au/canberraplan/

Within Reach of Us All ACT Government Schools Plan

http://www.decs.act.gov.au/publicat/pdf/ACTSchoolPlan.pdf

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NORTHERN TERRITORY

The cluster initiatives in Northern Territory schools should be in line with the Department of Employment, Education and Training (DEET) Corporate Plan
http://www.deet.nt.gov.au/corporate/corp_plan/index.shtml.

In addition, the initiatives should enhance the implementation of the learner-centred outcome-focused learning approach articulated in the NT Curriculum Framework (NTCF)
http://www.deet.nt.gov.au/education/ntcf/index.shtml.

In particular, they should support teachers to maximise student achievement and demonstration of NTCF outcomes specifically within the EsseNTial Learnings, Learning Technology, Science and Mathematics Learning Area components and where possible, be inclusive of Indigenous Language and Culture, Studies and/or Perspectives.

A final area of priority is alignment with the recently announced Building Better Schools initiative.
http://www.betterschools.nt.gov.au/

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NEW SOUTH WALES

Across the Curriculum
        

NSW Department of Education and Training Corporate Plan 2006–2008

Provides the framework within which schools, TAFE and other sections of the Department develop their own plans, appropriate to their local needs, in order to produce the best opportunities and outcomes for all students.
https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/strat_direction/index.htm.

Quality teaching in NSW public schools

The NSW quality teaching model is based on the latest international and national research and is able to be applied from K-12 and across all key learning areas. It provides teachers with a practical and useful framework for professional dialogue, for planning and redesigning lessons and for reflecting on the quality of what they do in the classroom.
http://www.curriculumsupport.education.nsw.gov.au/qualityteach/index.htm.

Curriculum planning and programming, assessing and reporting to parents

Provides information to support parents, teachers and school leaders in understanding the requirements of new policy in curriculum planning and programming, assessing and reporting to parents and in planning for implementation. http://www.curriculumsupport.education.nsw.gov.au/timetoteach/

For ASISTM proposals involving NSW government schools, it is recommended that applicants refer to the following policies:

  1. Aboriginal Education
    Aboriginal Education Policy
    https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/policies/curriculum/schools/aborig_edu/PD20050209.shtml
    Review of Aboriginal Education in New South Wales
    https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/reviews/aboriginaledu/index.htm
  2. Controversial issues at school
    https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/policies/curriculum/schools/cont_issue/PD20020045.shtml
  3. Code of Conduct
    The Code of Conduct clarifies the standards of behaviour that are expected of DET staff in the performance of their duties. It gives guidance in areas where staff need to make personal and ethical decisions.
    https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/policies/staff/ethical_behav/conduct/PD20040020.shtml
  4. Cultural Diversity and Community Relations Policy: Multicultural education in schools
    https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/policies/student_serv/equity/comm_rela/PD20050234.shtml
  5. Environmental Education
    Environmental Education Policy for Schools
    https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/policies/curriculum/schools/envir_educ/PD20020049.shtml
    NSW DET Curriculum Support website provides a wide range of curriculum resources for NSW teachers
    http://www.curriculumsupport.education.nsw.gov.au/policies/envired/index.htm
  6. Gifted and talented education
    Gifted and talented education policy
    https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/policies/curriculum/schools/gats/PD20040051.shtml
  7. Gender Equity
    Girls and Boys at School: Gender Equity Strategy
    https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/policies/student_serv/equity/gender_equity/PD20040018.shtml
  8. Literacy
    http://www.curriculumsupport.education.nsw.gov.au/policies/literacy/index.htm
  9. Occupational health and safety
    https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/policies/staff/oh_s/ohs_pol/PD20040007.shtml
  10. Professional Learning Policy for Schools
    https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/policies/staff/prof_learn/prof_learn_pol/PD20040017.shtml
  11. Values in NSW public schools
    https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/policies/student_serv/student_welfare/valu_scool/PD20050131.shtml
  12. Welfare of Students While Engaged in Activities Conducted Under the Auspices of the School
    https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/policies/student_serv/child_protection/auspices/PD20040019.shtml
  13. Working with children check policy
    https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/policies/student_serv/child_protection/work_child/PD20050264.shtml

NSW Mathematics, Science and Technology Syllabuses

Refer to NSW Board of Studies website
http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au.

Syllabuses particularly relevant to ASISTM are:

  • Years K-6:
    • Mathematics K–6
    • Science and Technology K–6
  • Years 7–10 syllabuses:
    • Mathematics Years 7–10
    • Science Years 7–10
    • Technology (Mandatory)Years 7–8 and elective Years 7–10 syllabuses of Agricultural Technology, Design and Technology, Food Technology, Textiles Technology, Industrial Technology, Graphics Technology, and Information & Software Technology.
  • Years 11–12 syllabuses:
    • Mathematics including Mathematics (General), Mathematics, Mathematics Extension 1, Mathematics Extension 2
    • Science including Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Physics, Senior Science
    • Technology including Agriculture, Design and Technology, Engineering Studies, Food Technology, Industrial Technology, Information and Processes Technology, Software Design and Technology, Textiles and Design.

Professional Support and Curriculum website

NSW DET Curriculum Support website provides a wide range of curriculum resources for NSW teachers
http://www.curriculumsupport.education.nsw.gov.au/policies/gats/index.htm
Refer to Mathematics, Science and Technology sections in the Primary and Secondary areas.

Teaching and Learning Exchange (TaLe)

TaLe enables teachers to easily locate and obtain learning resources, advice and ideas to support learning.
http://www.tale.edu.au/tale/index.aspx

Mathematics Resources
        

NSW Department of Education and Training website

Provides a wide range of curriculum resources for NSW teachers

Count Me In Too

A primary numeracy professional development program developed by the NSW Department of Education and Training. Further information is available on the following website.
http://www.curriculumsupport.education.nsw.gov.au/countmein/index.htm

Counting On

A middle years professional development program for students experiencing difficulties in Mathematics developed by the NSW Department of Education and Training. Further information is available on the following website.
http://www.curriculumsupport.education.nsw.gov.au/primary/mathematics/numeracy/countingon/index.htm

Numeracy

http://www.curriculumsupport.education.nsw.gov.au/secondary/mathematics/numeracy/index.htm

Science and Technology K–6 Resources
     

NSW Department of Education and Training website

Provides a wide range of curriculum resources for NSW teachers:
http://www.curriculumsupport.education.nsw.gov.au/primary/scitech/index.htm

Supporting SciTech in the primary classroom

This resource provides professional learning experiences for teachers implementing the Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus and Support Document. This material can be used by school teams for whole school planning or by an individual teacher wishing to improve classroom learning programs in Science and Technology.
http://10ss.qtp.nsw.edu.au/supporting_scitech/index.html

Science 7–12 Resources
       

NSW Department of Education and Training website

Provides a wide range of curriculum resources for NSW teachers:
http://www.curriculumsupport.education.nsw.gov.au/secondary/science/index.htm

Quality Science

The Australian Government Quality Teacher Programme Quality Science resource supports the teaching of the Stages 4-5 and Stage 6 Science syllabuses and provides insights into innovative use of technology in science classrooms.
Intranet: https://detwww.det.nsw.edu.au/profcurr/qscience/
Internet: http://10ss.qtp.nsw.edu.au/qualityscience/ The Australian Government Quality Teacher Programme and NSW DET DVD resource How to use a datalogger in teaching science: A step by step guide provides insight into potential uses of dataloggers in science classrooms.

Technology 7–12 Resources
        

NSW Department of Education and Training website

Provides a wide range of curriculum resources for NSW teachers:
http://www.curriculumsupport.education.nsw.gov.au/secondary/technology/index.htm

Implementing the Technology (Mandatory) Years 7–8 syllabus

The Programming tools and templates page provides a range of resources to assist teachers in implementing the Technology (Mandatory) Years 7–8 syllabus.
http://www.curriculumsupport.education.nsw.gov.au/secondary/technology/7_10/technology/
prog_tool_template/index.htm

Safety

The Making Technology Learning Safer button on the Curriculum Support: Technology web site provides a gateway for technology teachers in public schools to access information about safety.
http://www.curriculumsupport.education.nsw.gov.au/secondary/technology/safety/index.htm

Australian designers at work

The Australian designers at work web site features profiles of six designers. The web site was developed by the Technology Unit Curriculum K-12 Directorate in collaboration with the Powerhouse Museum.
http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/designersatwork/

Contact
        

For more information about NSW DET support for science, technology and mathematics education email:
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QUEENSLAND

BYTE Awards – Building Youth Technology Excellence

The BYTE Awards provide an exciting residential extension program for students who have demonstrated outstanding abilities in the information and communication technologies (ICT) area.

Boys, Gender and Schooling

This site has been developed by Education Queensland for school communities – teachers, administrators, parents – working to address issues in boys' education. On it you will find information on key issues such as 'boys and literacy', up-to-date data and research, and professional development activities. The site promotes a commitment to gender equity and improved outcomes for all students, male and female.
http://education.qld.gov.au/students/advocacy/equity/gender-sch/

Drug Education

This website assists principals and teachers to implement the policy for Drug Education and Intervention in Schools.
http://education.qld.gov.au/health-safety/promotion/drug-education/

Fanfare

A statewide instrumental music festival aiming to promote excellence in music performance.

Federation Matters

Federation Matters is a website designed to celebrate the Centenary of Australian Federation and to encourage Queensland teachers and students to engage in studies of Federation.

IDEAS

The IDEAS vision is to inspire IDEAS schools to engage in journeys of self-discovery which will ensure they achieve sustainable excellence in teaching and learning.

KITE Theatre – preschool and early childhood drama

KITE Theatre is Education Queensland's Early Childhood Theatre team, who produce high-quality theatre for 4–8-year-olds.

Museum Magnet Schools

The Museum Magnet Schools project aims to use the expertise of museum staff to help students acquire skills in research. The basis of the approach is for students to collect objects, study them, derive knowledge and present their findings in exhibitions. The project involves Queensland schools, Washington schools, the Queensland Museum, the Smithsonian Institute and Queensland government bodies.

New Basics

The New Basics is a framework for curriculum, pedagogy and assessment that provides students with the skills and knowledge to survive and flourish in changing economic, social and technological conditions.

Queensland Youth Action Program

The YAP is a Queensland Government project to establish a broad range of training options for State secondary school students in years 8–12.

Reading Recovery

Reading Recovery is an early literacy intervention program providing intensive, individual help for children having difficulties in learning to read and write.

School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships

Central to the Queensland State Education 2010 Strategy are the aims of increasing the numbers of State school students completing Year 12, and improving the quality of educational experiences for all students.

Showcase – Awards for Excellence

Showcase – Awards for Excellence recognise, celebrate and reward excellent practice that has significantly improved educational outcomes for students.

Virtual Schooling

Virtual Schooling service courses are available to secondary students enrolled in State schools where the provision of comprehensive subject options has traditionally proved problematic.

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SOUTH AUSTRALIA

The Science & Mathematics Strategy (www.scimas.sa.edu.au) is a major 3-year initiative of the Government of SA. Clicking on the 'Strategy' button will provide full information about the aims and objectives of this initiative. 'Projects 1–14' has information about school involvement in 2004 and application forms for 2005. 2. SA Curriculum (www.sacsa.sa.edu.au).

The South Australian Curriculum, Standards and Accountability (SACSA) Framework describes curriculum Key Ideas and Outcomes upon which learners from birth to Year 12 can expect their education to be built. Key Ideas and Outcomes comprise the required elements of the new curriculum framework for all government schools and children's services. These core elements provide the basis for educators to design detailed learning and assessment programs which suit the needs of children and students in their settings and which emphasise local priorities. This recognises the contribution of local decision making in successful learning while also ensuring that all learners have a common curriculum.

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TASMANIA

The cluster initiatives in Tasmanian schools should enhance the implementation of the Tasmanian Curriculum Framework. This curriculum is currently being refined. Details of the refinement are available at:
http://www.education.tas.gov.au/dept/about/minister_for_education/Curriculum_paper_28Aug06_v2.doc
The curriculum emphasises the central importance of the explicit teaching of thinking and the use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

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VICTORIA

Strategic Partnership Program

The Strategic Partnership Program provides funding to cultural and scientific organisations and professional teaching organisations to facilitate dynamic partnerships with schools. The Program is managed within the Office of Learning and Teaching.
http://www.sofweb.vic.edu.au/spp/

Scaffolding Numeracy in the Middle Years

This is a Australian Research Council Linkage Project awarded to RMIT University , the Victorian Department of Education and Training, and the Tasmanian Education Department. The project will provide direction and support for reforming the teaching and learning of numeracy in Victorian government schools.
http://www.sofweb.vic.edu.au/mys/research/index.htm#scaffold

Schools for Innovation and Excellence

School clusters are groups of at least one secondary college and three primary schools, based on geographical location. All Victorian government schools are in a cluster. All school clusters develop school-based innovation and build supportive school environments, with many clusters focusing on the attainment of enhanced science, mathematical or technological skills by students. Cluster Educators provide support to schools and during 2007 one focus of their work is the improvement of student capability in mathematics and science through building teacher knowledge and teaching capacity.
http://www.sofweb.vic.edu.au/mys/innovationandexcellence/index.htm

Other complementary initiatives in Victoria are:

Blueprint for Government schools

The Blueprint provides the framework for an effective Victorian government school system – a system with effective teachers, effective leaders and effective schools.
http://www.sofweb.vic.edu.au/blueprint/fs1/default.asp

Curriculum Planning Guidelines

The Curriculum Planning Guidelines provide information and tools for curriculum planning in government schools.
http://www.sofweb.vic.edu.au/blueprint/fs1/guidelines/default.asp

The Curriculum Planning Guidelines supports the implementation of the Victorian Essential Learning Standards.
http://vels.vcaa.vic.edu.au/index.html

Assessment and Reporting

Assessment advice supports teachers' gathering and analysis of and reflection on evidence to make informed and consistent judgements to improve future student learning. Reporting advice supports teachers in their communication of assessment information to students, parents, teachers and the system about what students know and can do, along with recommendations for their future learning. Examples of effective assessment and reporting processes are published in the Knowledge Bank.
http://www.sofweb.vic.edu.au/blueprint/fs1/assessment.asp

Principles of Learning and Teaching

The Principles of Learning and Teaching P–12 initiative is a program to help teachers focus their professional learning. The Principles aim to capture the essence of effective learning and teaching and provide a basis for teachers to review and develop their teaching practices.
http://www.sofweb.vic.edu.au/blueprint/fs1/polt/default.htm

Leading Schools Fund

The Leading Schools Fund has been developed to resource a school transformation and renewal initiative for Victorian schools with a secondary component. The Leading Schools Fund will play a key role in improving school performance and the achievement of Government's goals and targets. Schools receiving funding under this initiative make a commitment to whole school improvement and improved student learning outcomes.
http://www.sofweb.vic.edu.au/blueprint/fs7/default.asp

Centres for Excellence

The Victorian Government has established three centres to promote excellence and innovation in science education.

The Gene Access Centre (GTAC)

This centre is located at the University High School and is supported by the Walter Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, the Department of Microbiology and Immunology of the University of Melbourne, the Department of Education and Training and the University High School. The Laboratory Workshops offer students a unique opportunity to work in small groups mentored by a research scientist. Students use research quality equipment, in a state of the art teaching laboratory. A pre-laboratory lecture supports student learning by introducing them to the biological concepts involved in the laboratory work.
http://www.gtac.edu.au/

Ecolinc

Ecolinc is located in Bacchus Marsh and provides innovative curriculum programs for P-12 students which focus on sustainable environmental development practices. The Ecolinc building, an ecologically sustainable design (ESD), incorporates state of the art technology and is set within an indigenous landscape featuring a model wetland that is fed by, and filters, storm water.
http://www.ecolinc.vic.edu.au

Victorian Space Science Education Centre (VSSEC)

The space education centre is located at Strathmore Secondary College. At this state of the art facility students are immersed in the experience of mission control, planetary exploration and space based laboratory simulations. Supported by partnerships with a number of universities and NASA, the centre offers programs for students from primary through to VCE level and for teacher professional development. The centre also hosts guest speakers and conferences.
http://www.vssec.vic.edu.au/

Other resources
     

The Knowledge Bank

The Victoria Department of Education and Training (DE&T) has a strong commitment to Science, Technology and Mathematics. The Knowledge Bank supports the sharing of exemplary and promising practice.
http://www.sofweb.vic.edu.au/blueprint/knowledge.asp

Careers that go

This website, hosted by the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development provides up to date information for students and teachers on a wide range of careers including those that are science, technology and/or mathematics based.
http://www.careersthatgo.com.au

STAR 6

This Victorian Government initiative provides access to Scienceworks for Year 6 students through assistance with travel costs and Melbourne Planetarium entry for one school excursion visit per year.
http://scienceworks.museum.vic.gov.au/education/star6.asp

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WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Plan for Government Schools 2004-2007

A plan providing the vision for government schools with key implementation objectives and strategies.
http://www.eddept.wa.edu.au/stratplan

Post Compulsory Education implementation

A reform being implemented in schools from 2006 based on the Post-Compulsory Education Review Report Our Youth, Our Future.
http://www.curriculum.wa.edu.au

Curriculum Improvement Program

A major initiative to improve teaching and learning in government schools centred on implementation of the Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Policy and the Outcomes and Standards Framework.
http://www.eddept.wa.edu.au/curriculum/cip2

Getting it Right – Literacy and Numeracy Strategy

A strategy to provide for the training and placement of specialist teachers in selected primary and district high schools to support classroom teachers.
http://www.eddept.wa.edu.au/curriculum/ln/gir.htm

Primary Science Project

A strategy to enhance the teaching and learning of science in Government primary schools, supported by the Primary Connections project managed by the Australian Academy of Science.

SPICE Secondary Teachers Enrichment Program (Science)

A partnership between the WA Department of Education and Training and The University of Western Australia to enrich science teaching in secondary schools.
http://www.spice.wa.edu.au

VET in Schools

A program to improve the provision of vocational education and training in schools.
http://www.vetinfonet.det.wa.edu.au

Learning with ICT Project (Formerly 100 Schools Project)

A strategy in the Plan for Government Schools 2004–2007 which aims to enhance teaching and learning through ICT.

Schools Learning with ICT Project (SLICT Project)

An initiative to support the curriculum through ICT professional learning needs of all schools not currently supported by major Department of Education and Training (DET) projects.

ANSN Research Circle - Interactive Whiteboards and Pedagogy

DET supported National research into the use of interactive whiteboards in Australian classrooms.

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