Ms Caitlin Faye Maniti:

In terms of the Senator's question about role models, we have what I would call alarming anecdotal detail from our consultations. I welcome her point about studying STEM young because people are not born with the sexism and discrimination we have seen; it is taught. It is an environment that is fostered in the school system. I take the Senator's point on that.

Another way they can continue to pursue it would be in the practicals and the continuous assessment. They can take ownership of the subject and put it into their day-to-day lives as something that interests them. They can also take it with them and use it in a way they see fit. With the opportunities to be innovative and creative and have peer-to-peer collaboration, the ISSU always recommends continuous assessment. We are always advocating for students on that front.

The BT Young Scientist Exhibition and Skyfest represent non-educational forms of learning of STEM. In particular the transition year is great for seeing outside the school area and identifying the potential for a particular STEM subject. Those are the kinds of things.