STEAM: What It Is and Why It’s Important

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) subjects have gained popularity in the last several decades to meet the demands of a technologically-dependent society. Students who want to become 21st-century leaders need to have an arsenal of STEAM skills by the time they graduate in order to be prepared for the career of their choice. STEAM education develops students to take analysed risks, collaborate with others, problem solve and use their creative minds. It helps develop them into diverse learners, educators, researchers and innovators. It puts them ahead of the game in this ever-developing world and puts them at the forefront of new experiences and opportunities.

While STEAM-related jobs are growing, countries around the world are struggling to catch up with the demand for STEAM-trained graduates. STEAM is about teaching students to be fluid and dynamic so that they can move into a range of career opportunities and easily adapt to different situations.

Here, at One World International School we want our students to be able to contribute to meaningful and productive STEAM careers and STEAM skills are a core part of our programme.

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The Power of STEAM in Modern Society

Additionally, STEM and STEAM graduates play a vital role in developing meaningful solutions to societal problems, such as the COVID-19 public health crisis we are currently facing.

The opportunity for STEAM graduates is huge. By preparing our students to continue into higher education and careers with a strong background in these subjects, we ready them to get their chance at such opportunities. We make sure that they can integrate different concepts, topics, skills and knowledge to be adaptable through life.

Moreover, the global shortage of STEAM-trained graduates has created a wealth of opportunities across the world. OBHE adds that “Germany alone was short 114,000 STEAM-skilled workers in 2011” and “interest in undertaking STEAM studies is dropping in many EU countries, and the share of STEAM graduates fell in relation to the total number of graduates from 24.8% in 1999 to 22.7% in 2005.”

These statistics continue to be borne out in ongoing reports of STEAM shortages. According to TechRocket, quoting the US Department of Labour, there will be a predicted 1.4 million computer specialist job openings by 2020, but only 29% of them can be filled by U.S. graduates, which again leaves a huge opportunity for global students who are qualified.

STEAM Expertise in Singapore

Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has the right idea when he says that students need exposure to STEAM subjects and he is determined to get that point across to young people and the teachers who instruct them.

PM Lee points out that STEAM subjects can lead to a huge variety of innovations. He says, “Building greener homes, connecting our waterways and parks, expanding our public transport networks, embarking on complex projects like the High-Speed Rail link between Jurong East and Kuala Lumpur, all these require expertise and skills in engineering, technology, and design.”

As the population becomes more aware of protecting the environment and developing sustainable processes, students with a background in STEAM subjects will be essential in progressing this forward. At OWIS we build a passion for nature and the environment right from early years. This transfers into the STEAM curriculum as it is important to integrate learning in areas such as science and mathematics with the arts. This makes students of STEAM subjects well rounded, full of wonder, inquiry and innovation.

STEAM in Singapore Schools: By the Numbers

The high expectations at Singapore-based schools, especially at elite international schools (including OWIS) that follow rigorous external standards, ensure that our students will be well prepared to engage in STEAM careers. Here at OWIS, we elect to undertake the International Schools’ Assessment (ISA), which was created by the Australian Council for Educational Research. STEAM subjects play an integral role in our academic and extracurricular offerings. Students are able to experience these subjects in a range of ways and with different teaching formats. We encourage them to think critically, experiment, play and work practically. We encourage them to ask questions and where needed seek support if there are areas that they may find more difficult. We support the students in process-based learning and encourage them to dive deep into topics and questions.

As an example, our mean scores in Mathematical Literacy for Grade 3 (i.e. 351) and Reading for Grade 5 (i.e. 450) are the highest in the world, besting even those in the United States. These external assessments help us assess our curriculum on an ongoing basis, evaluating not one specific subject, but rather the core effectiveness of our school. In so doing, we ensure ongoing success in all our subjects and for all our students. We ensure that we strive to progress our teaching and learning opportunities. We listen to our students and their families and we continuously progress our curriculum to keep in line with the most recent developments in all these areas.

If you would like to learn more about the importance of STEAM education and how we address it, we invite you to get in touch with us by phone or email today. We would love to meet your child (or children), tell you more about who we are, and help you find the top-quality education that you’re searching for.

Please Contact Us today for more information, or to Book a Tour.

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