Traditionally, females didn't have an opportunity to participate in careers that required excellence in STEAM subjects. Thankfully, this appears to be changing. Before it did so, I established and conducted a STEAM Residential to provide learning opportunities for high ability female students. This residential offered high ability students an intensive program of learning in the STEAM subject areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Maths. High ability female students were given an opportunity to learn alongside students with similar abilities and interests during the residential. Students who attended reported that they had great fun during the residential, learning and interacting with others who thought like them. The students were taught and encouraged to talk about issues that are important to learning, thriving, and becoming skilled in these STEAM subjects.
Students were expected to be able to work one to two years above their current grade level to learn at the level of the workshops offered during the residential. Workshops in STEAM subject areas were offered during school holidays and students were placed in workshops aligned with their learning preferences and participated in one intensive workshop during the period of the week-long residential. The workshops provided a wonderful mix of challenging content, high level thinking and activities that were varied, interesting, fun, and engaging for the students. Each of the workshops was conducted by a teacher who was a specialist in the subject, with training and experience in working with high ability students. The teachers presented stimulating, challenging workshops, prepared specifically for high ability students.
The residential format allowed students to really get to know each other and many of the students formed enduring friendships. Some of the students who attended the STEAM Residential came from regional and rural areas. Staying together in boarding facilities allowed students to participate in the carefully structured affective program. Students learnt about themselves by discovering what it takes to achieve personally, academically, and professionally.
During the residential there was an opportunity for the students to hear from women working in STEAM related areas and to learn about careers in these fields. The students heard about what it is like to work in a variety of engineering fields, neuroscience research, occupational therapy, theatre, architecture, interior design, teaching, mathematical modeling, medicine. and other careers. The women who spoke to the students were passionate and inspiring. These speakers encouraged students to pursue their areas of strength and interest as all students should.
With a range of experiences and backgrounds, Residential Leaders supported students when they were not attending workshops. From morning exercises (for early birds who wanted to participate) through to preparing hot cocoa and marshmallows before bedtime, with stimulating activities and relaxing games in between, these lovely, warm adults were excellent role models and guided students throughout the STEAM Residential. The STEAM Residential enabled many high ability students to benefit from the STEAM Residential experience, which they may not have otherwise had exposure to. The dominant theme of feedback from students attending the STEAM Residential was a request for more of everything offered. Thankfully, there is now a range of STEAM subject and career opportunities available for all students.
© Michele Juratowitch
michele@clearingskies.com.au