Curious Young Minds

Together with Deakin University, Ardoch has developed an exciting new project, Curious Young Minds STEM Literacy Progam, which recently piloted. Targeted at children across Ardoch’s partnered Early Year centres in Victoria, the program develops understanding of the world by engaging in explorations of STEM activities and experiences.

Curious Young Minds is an extension of Ardoch’s existing Early Language and Literacy Program, which was developed in partnership with Deakin University. The new program focuses on a play-based curriculum and is set to be piloted in an initial 15 Early Years centres. Feedback from volunteers and early years educators involved in the pilot will be incorporated and the program refined before being rolled out and implemented in a total of 50 early years’ services over a three year period.

Ardoch has identified the gap in the existence of programs that foster literacy in this area at early ages and aims to target STEM literacy, curiosity and inquiry in children aged four to five years.

'Ardoch is thrilled to continue working in partnership with Deakin University, who exemplify Ardoch’s beliefs and values of realising the potential of each child through full participation in education. 75% of the fastest growing occupations require science, technology, engineering and maths skills, yet only 16% of Australia’s tertiary graduates have STEM degrees. The introduction of the new Curious Young Minds program goes towards ensuring every child is given the opportunity to explore the wonderful world of STEM,' said Kylee Bates, Ardoch CEO.

Deakin University wrote the Early Language and Literacy (ELL) program that currently runs in all regions' early years partner sites, facilitated by Education Volunteers trained in the delivery of the program. Deakin staff and students are also involved in Ardoch’s highly successful Literacy Buddies, Learning Through Lunch and You-niversity programs.

Ardoch partners with schools and Early Years services to deliver tailored education support programs that aim to increase engagement in education, build aspirations, enhance learning outcomes and increase the confidence of children and young people living in disadvantaged communities. Ardoch mobilises community and workplace volunteers to support schools and early childhood services. Ardoch also actively advocates for policy change to reduce inequity in education.

Multiple studies in Australia show an unacceptable link between the socio-economic status of students and their educational outcomes. One in three children in Australia's most disadvantaged communities start school developmentally vulnerable and continue to fall behind as they progress through their education.

For more information, contact Dr Coral Campbell of the Science, Technology and Environmental Education Teaching and Research Group.