Skip to Content

Marketing Unit

Macquarie and NSW Department of Education and Training launch Science Partnership

June 18, 2007

On June 15, Macquarie University and the NSW Department of Education and Training launched a project designed to positively influence young people's attitudes towards studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects.

Known as the Science Partnership, this project involves the Peninsula Community of Schools - Narrabeen Sports High School, Pittwater High School, Barrenjoey High School and Cromer Public School - and Macquarie University who will work together to develop and implement innovative teaching and learning practices within STEM curriculum areas.


The Partnership will initially involve four major projects:

  • research projects for Year 9 students
  • a tutoring program for those Macquarie students engaged in the research project as mentors
  • the development and implementation of innovative and effective professional learning opportunities for science teachers
  • a major research project conducted by a Macquarie PhD candidate to inform future best practice in science teaching and learning.


Some of these projects have already begun.

Following a visit to Macquarie University, teachers and Year 9 students from the Peninsula Community of Schools are identifying the science, engineering and technology areas on which to base the student research project. Fourteen Macquarie undergraduate students in science, engineering and technology have expressed interest in being involved in a tutoring program for these high school students.


Staff from Macquarie and DET will apply for a grant through the Australian School Innovation in Science, Technology and Mathematics (ASISTM) for a joint project to develop a greater understanding of climate change issues and encourage community participation in greenhouse gas reduction and sustainable energy use in our community. This forms part of the teacher development program of the Partnership.


The University is currently reviewing applications for a PhD candidate to examine the current attitudes of primary and secondary school students towards studying and working in STEM areas, and any changes to those attitudes over time after the application of innovative teaching and learning practices under the Science Partnership. This initiative is supported by a Macquarie University Research Excellence Scholarship.


At the launch of the Science Partnership on Friday Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor Professor Steven Schwartz and Director-General of the NSW Department of Education and Training Mr Michael Coutts-Trotter will also sign a Memorandum of Understanding to formalise the collaboration between the two organisations.


"Success in science is vital to Australia's prosperity, and a supply of scientists, engineers and technicians is critical to our country's future," said Professor Schwartz. Unfortunately though, young people across the country are turning away from science at a time when we know that science and technology will play an increasing role in our lives for decades to come.


"Macquarie University, the Peninsula Community of Schools and the Department of Education and Training are taking this very seriously, and the Science Partnership is an example of how we can develop some positive initiatives to turn young people on to science."


Mr Coutts-Trotter said the Science Partnership was a great example of academic co-operation, which would yield significant educational and professional benefits for young people at primary, secondary and tertiary levels.


"While school science, mathematic and technology curricula offer rich learning experiences for students, there's clearly a need to make these more accessible to students," Mr Coutts-Trotter added.


"The range of projects being developed under the Partnership has great potential to attract and retain the interest of students in these important study areas, which have major influences on how the world develops.


"By involving in-depth research with practical classroom applications, the Partnership is creating a unique environment for learning across a broad front."

Any enquiries from the media should be directed to:
Kathy Vozella  phone: 9850 7456
email address: kathy.vozella@mq.edu.au

Back to the news archive