Over the past few years Engineers Australia has worked with Engineering Studies teachers in the Newcastle area to develop an understanding of the needs of these teachers in the effective delivery of the Engineering Studies curriculum. What was found was that the teachers need assistance in the contextualisation of engineering theories and practice to better explain the Engineering Studies syllabus and integrate the science and mathematics disciplines with the purpose of the science and practice of engineering for the benefit of the community.

Resources have now been developed in collaboration with the Engineering Studies teachers for use by the teachers. Teachers attend one and a half hour sessions twice per school term (face to face or webinar) to develop and improved understanding and appreciation of the field of engineering included in the resource materials. The eight modules of the NSW Engineering Studies curriculum have been professionally videoed and will now be rolled out across NSW schools with engineering studies courses.

Through the delivery of this course over the past three years, the content has been continuously improved, and the number schools engaged with our program has grown from six to seventy.

We have been overwhelmed by the success of the program and the positive comments from the teachers and will now look to develop other hands on resources for the teachers and students as part of this program. If anyone would like to contribute ‘real life’ case studies or help out with presentations please contact the office on (02) 4911 7310.

Our next steps from here are to provide input into the review of the NSW curriculum. We will keep you posted on this very important review.