STEM
Students have access to the latest technology to develop their projects. Students at Cannington are able to utilise 3-D printing and Laser cutting technology so that ideas can be rapidly prototyped and built straight from the design. Students also are able to employ ‘Smart Technologies’ with the use of sensors and micro-controllers that students can computer program. The result being that students are able to create solutions using the latest technologies, from drones to robot arms, to develop real world solutions.
Students are building links to the real world and developing entrepreneurial skills in STEM. Many of the projects at Cannington ask students to develop new solutions that overcome real world problems. For instance, our year 10’s build micro-hydroponic systems that allows people living in smaller housing environments a chance to grow their own food. With costing and market research our students take their ideas to a mock ‘Shark Tank’ for evaluation.
STEM is focussed on building high achieving students who have good ‘People skills’. Students usually work in small groups to develop their ability to work collaboratively, flexibly and communicate their ideas. Along with soft skills students are explicitly taught about group decision making techniques and project management techniques to improve productivity. In the real world, rarely do people work in isolation and it’s imperative that our students are building skills that will allow them to become tomorrow’s leaders.
STEM is providing opportunities for students to compete at a higher level. Students in each year level are able to be involved in competitions such as the CO2 Dragster competition, Robocup and the Landrover 4x4 challenge.
A comprehensive soccer program helps students develop skills, attitudes and knowledge to enable them to compete successfully in soccer.
In Years 7 to 10 students learn match tactics and strategies, develop refereeing skills and study the history of soccer. They participate in intense technical and skills development for an additional 2-3 hours a week over and above their normal Physical Education classes. Students have opportunities to compete in SSWA Competitions at Zone, Regional and State levels.