About the Department

Energising Science and Mathematics Education in Victoria

Young boy outside with telescope

Energising Science and Mathematics Education in Victoria Strategy, released in 2009, has four key focus areas: 

The Strategy’s objectives are to:

  • raise the level of science and mathematics achievement of every Victorian student
  • increase student interest and participation, and encourage more students to pursue science and mathematics-related careers
  • expand the knowledge base of teachers and increase teacher capacity to engage students.

The document can be accessed in full at: Energising Science and Mathematics Education in Victoria (PDF - 1.1Mb) 

Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, scientist and media presenter talks about how science and mathematics provide young people with essential knowledge and skills they need to participate effectively in, and contribute to, a scientifically and technologically advanced society.

Download: Energising Science and Mathematics Education in Victoria (MOV - 66.6Mb)
(duration 6.56 min)

Transcript: Energising Science and Mathematics Education in Victoria (RTF - 42Kb)

  
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Infrastructure

The Victorian Government is committed to the development of new infrastructure and ongoing improvement of existing facilities.

The Government currently supports three specialist science centres, which engage students in contemporary, experiential Science and Mathematics curriculum:

Additionally, the Government is providing $12m to construct three additional science and mathematics specialist centres, to open in 2011.

Each Centre provides students state-wide with specialist science and mathematics programs, using a range of delivery modes such as face-to-face, outreach, distance, online and mixed mode.

Centres provide a range of engaging, contemporary, real-world experiences for students and are available for access to all schools. Each Centre provides students with access to innovative digital and online resources, enabling knowledge sharing and collaboration within the school system, extending learning experiences for students beyond the physical boundaries of the classroom.

Strategic Partnerships

Two young students observing beaker with organisms

Encouraging schools to build sustainable partnerships with industry, business, research, higher education and non-government organisations is a key focus of the Strategy.

Engagement with these partners can make a significant contribution to student learning outcomes, enhancing interest among students and broadening their awareness of the applications and career opportunities in science and mathematical fields.  Effective partnership can also ensure that education programs reflect the contemporary and practical use of science and mathematics.

These partnership programs are supported by the Department:

 

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Science and Mathematics Education Excellence Awards

Boy in laboratory

The Awards recognise and celebrate innovative partnerships connecting schools with industry, business and higher education institutions.

Workforce Capacity

Increasing the support and learning opportunities available for current science and mathematics teachers, whilst also attracting more qualified teachers to science and mathematics.

  • $1m annually for extended professional learning opportunities for all teachers
  • $1m annually for professional development summer school for Science and Mathematics teachers
  • EarthWatch Teach Live
  • $3.65m to attract new discipline teachers through the Mathematics and Science graduate scholarship initiative
  • $7.6m to attract at least 75 high-calibre graduates to commence teaching through Teach for Australia

Current professional learning opportunities available are:

Curriculum Resources

Teacher helping primary school students with maths

The Department is creating innovative and engaging online science and mathematics teaching and learning resources.

We will provide $1m to enhance curriculum resources, and ICT infrastructure to support rollout and delivery. Examples of diverse and engaging curriculum resources include:

  • FUSE (Find, Use, Share) – An online directory providing educational resources for students, teachers, parents and the wider community
  • Mathematics Domain - this resource provides a comprehensive collection of information regarding mathematics teaching within Victorian education system
  • Science Domain - this contains information about teaching science within our Victorian education system
  • Specialist Science and Mathematics Centres curriculum resources (forthcoming)