STEM in the WA Curriculum

The Western Australian Curriculum and Assessment Outline sets out the curriculum for children from Kindergarten to Year 10. STEM knowledge and skills are embedded across these subject disciplines.

In Years 11 and 12, young people work towards gaining their Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE), choosing either an academic or vocational pathway.

There are a range of STEM related courses that children can access.

The S in STEM

Children from Pre-primary to Year 10 are required to study science.

The T in STEM

Technologies is a compulsory part of the Western Australian Curriculum. It includes two subjects that all children from Pre-primary to Year 8 must learn:

• design and technologies
• digital technologies.

The design and technologies subject allows students to study as least one of the following:

• engineering principles and systems
• food and fibre production
• food specialisations
• materials and technologies specialisations.

Technologies is optional for study in Years 9 and 10.

The E in STEM

Engineering principles can be integrated into science, technologies and mathematics learning programs. 

Schools may also offer engineering as an elective subject in Years 7 to 10.

There are a number of pathways available to young people in Years 11 and 12 interested in studying engineering as part of their WACE.

The M in STEM

Children from Pre-primary to Year 10 are required to study mathematics.