Board Bulletin (Vol 16 No 4)

The evaluation of the Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus has sought widespread input from primary and secondary students, teachers, parent bodies, community groups, professional bodies, education and industry experts and members of the public.

Student planting seedlings during a Science and Technology activity.

On 11 August the Board held a symposium on the syllabus with representation from a range of stakeholders. The list of keynote speakers included eminent science and technology academics and experts such as Professor Peter Fensham AM (Monash University, Victoria), and Professor Marilyn Fleer (Professor of Early Childhood Education, Monash University).

The symposium covered national and international research on a range of topics, such as how best to engage young children in science and technology. Issues raised included the need to:

• regard technology as being broader than information and communications technology
• ensure the processes of science and technology are embedded into the syllabus
• consider the importance of technology and innovation as a critical part of the students' world and the complexities of the 21st century.

A syllabus evaluation report based on the research and current consultations will be presented to the Board of Studies late in 2007.