A new facility at Launceston College focused on teaching entrepreneurship and innovation will be incorporated into the school curriculum in 2017.
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The Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics Next Generation Networks (STEAM NGN) facility has been trialled by some college students over the past few months.
Pupils from primary schools across the North have also been invited to explore the facility.
Coordinated by Launceston College principal Keith Wenn, the facility includes a room for coding, graphic and digital design.
It is positioned alongside three separate rooms dedicated to 3D printing and engraving, entrepreneurial lessons, and virtual reality.
Assistant principal Mark Gleeson said that since August, over 350 primary and secondary students visited the STEAM NGN, participating in coding, drone and virtual reality activities.
“Every one of the students that has come through has had the opportunity to go diving with a whale (through virtual reality).”
He said up to 37 Northern educators also dropped in to the facility to advance their teaching skills in coding, 3D printing, computer programming, and using drones and spheros (robotic balls).
“It’s (the room) preparing students for what the future might be, and things like coding and entrepreneurialism are going to be important for them going forward, being able to be creative problem solvers.”
“I think there’s definitely a case for having a conversation for how that work might be built in, in an interdisciplinary way.”
The Foundation For Young Australians estimated that within two to five years, at least 90 per cent of the workforce will need a basic level of digital literacy.
A recent report by the Regional Australia Institute found that global trends such as consumerism, digitisation, and globalisation were shaping a 2030 job market which could be flexible, entrepreneurial and dynamic.
Mr Gleeson said 10 different business owners had signed on to teach entrepreneurial skills to students next year.
In a feedback card to Launceston College, Trevallyn Primary School pupils Miranda, Kuba and Ava each expressed a fondness for the virtual reality and drone programs.
“I think there’s a lot of budding entrepreneurs coming out of Northern Tasmania, and the excitement and enthusiasm from the younger students in particular, is fantastic,” Mr Gleeson said.