The STEM Technologies program at Shirley Smith High School provides students with a carefully sequenced pathway that develops creativity, innovation, practical skills and design thinking through authentic, hands-on learning experiences. During Years 7 and 8, all students participate in a rotation through Digital Technology, Applied Technology and 3D STEM, ensuring every student experiences the full breadth of the Design and Technologies curriculum before selecting elective subjects. This approach develops broad technological literacy while helping students discover their interests, strengths and future learning pathways through engaging projects that integrate design, engineering, digital technologies and creative problem-solving.
In Years 9 and 10, students build upon these foundations by selecting specialist electives that align with their interests and aspirations, including Engineering, Computer Science and Python Programming, Jewellery Making, Sustainable Woodwork, and 3D Printing and Product Design. Across every course, students investigate authentic problems, apply the engineering design process, develop technical and digital skills, and create purposeful solutions using contemporary tools, technologies and industry-inspired practices. Sustainability, innovation, collaboration and critical thinking are embedded throughout the program, encouraging students to become curious, connected learners who confidently apply their knowledge in meaningful contexts. By combining creativity with technical expertise, the STEM Technologies program prepares students for future study, employment and careers in engineering, design, manufacturing, computing, skilled trades and emerging technologies while equipping them with the adaptability and problem-solving skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
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The Engineering elective challenges students to apply science, mathematics and technology to solve authentic real-world problems through innovation, creativity and evidence-based design. Across the course, students investigate engineering principles through a series of increasingly sophisticated design challenges, including sustainable solar cooking technologies, structural engineering using recycled materials and autonomous robotics. Learning is centred on the engineering design process, with students identifying problems, researching solutions, developing and testing prototypes, analysing performance data and refining designs through iterative improvement. Students build practical workshop skills alongside computational thinking, technical drawing, mathematical modelling and engineering analysis, while developing resilience, collaboration and critical thinking through hands-on project work. Sustainability, ethical design and innovation are embedded throughout the program, encouraging students to consider the environmental, social and economic impacts of engineering solutions. By combining theory with authentic design experiences, the Engineering elective prepares students for future pathways in engineering, design, manufacturing, robotics and technology while fostering the curiosity, creativity and problem-solving mindset needed to address the challenges of tomorrow.
The Computer Science and Python Programming elective develops students' understanding of computational thinking, algorithmic design and software development through a balance of theoretical computer science and practical programming. Students begin by exploring the mathematical foundations of computing through topics such as logic, truth tables, logic circuits and graph theory before applying these concepts through Python programming. As their confidence grows, they develop increasingly sophisticated programs using variables, selection, iteration, data structures and functions before progressing to the design and development of their own interactive computer games using the Pygame framework. Throughout the course, students apply industry-style software development practices, including planning, testing, debugging, documentation and iterative refinement, while maintaining a learning journal that encourages reflection and continuous improvement. By combining computational thinking with creativity, logical reasoning and problem-solving, the course prepares students for future study in computer science, software engineering, cybersecurity, data science and related technology fields while fostering the curiosity, resilience and innovation required in an increasingly digital world.
The Jewellery Making elective introduces students to the art and precision of contemporary jewellery design and manufacture through authentic workshop experiences using professional tools, materials and techniques. Students learn the complete design and production process by investigating user needs, developing and communicating design ideas, and safely transforming sterling silver into handcrafted jewellery. Throughout the course, students develop practical skills in measurement, forming, soldering, finishing and polishing while building an understanding of material properties, manufacturing processes and quality craftsmanship. Emphasis is placed on accuracy, attention to detail, safe workshop practices and iterative refinement, encouraging students to evaluate their work against design criteria and continually improve their techniques. As their confidence grows, students have opportunities to extend their creativity through more complex jewellery designs and decorative techniques. By combining technical skill, creative design and reflective practice, the Jewellery Making elective develops patience, resilience and problem-solving while providing a strong foundation for future pathways in design, manufacturing, metal arts and skilled trades.
The Sustainable Woodwork elective combines traditional woodworking craftsmanship with contemporary principles of sustainable design, encouraging students to create high-quality products while considering their environmental impact. Students investigate responsibly sourced materials, timber properties and preferred futures before applying the design process to plan, construct and evaluate functional timber products. Through projects such as a laminated chopping board and personalised trinket box, students develop practical workshop skills using a range of hand tools and machinery while learning precision measuring, machining, joinery, lamination and finishing techniques. Throughout the course, students produce design folios, production plans and reflective evaluations that demonstrate their ability to justify design decisions, manage projects and refine solutions through ongoing feedback and self-assessment. Sustainability is embedded throughout every stage of the design process, with students considering efficient material use, product longevity and responsible manufacturing practices. By combining creativity, technical skill and evidence-based design thinking, the Sustainable Woodwork elective prepares students for future pathways in design, engineering, construction, furniture making and advanced manufacturing while fostering craftsmanship, resilience and pride in producing durable, purposeful products.
The 3D Printing and Product Design elective challenges students to become innovative designers by combining creativity, engineering principles and digital manufacturing technologies to solve authentic design problems. Students investigate how successful products are researched, designed, prototyped, manufactured and refined through a sequence of increasingly independent design challenges. Beginning with the redesign of an everyday product, students learn to apply the Engineering Design Process, analyse user needs and communicate ideas through sketching, orthographic drawings and design journals. They then develop advanced Computer-Aided Design (CAD) skills using SketchUp to create and manufacture original 3D printed products before applying their knowledge to an independent sustainable design project that addresses a genuine need within the school community. Throughout the course, students develop skills in design thinking, digital modelling, rapid prototyping, project management and evidence-based evaluation while considering the environmental, social and economic impacts of their design decisions. By integrating creativity with emerging technologies and authentic product development practices, the course prepares students for future pathways in engineering, industrial design, architecture, product development and advanced manufacturing while fostering innovation, collaboration and confident problem-solving.