More students in Qld choosing STEM classes as enrolments increase

In Queensland, student enrolments in STEM subjects, such as physics and specialist mathematics, have surged by nearly 50% over the past six years, according to the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority. Nationwide, year 12 enrolments in STEM subjects peaked in 2015, but by 2024 had declined to around 376,000. Queensland's Department of Education supports the engagement and achievement of students in STEM subjects.

While some STEM subjects, including environmental science and agricultural science, saw declines, subjects like engineering and specialist mathematics experienced significant growth, with engineering up 62% and specialist mathematics up 46%. In total, STEM enrolments in Queensland increased by over 17%. Experts like Susan Burchill from the CSIRO's Education and Outreach program emphasize the importance of inspiring young children to take an interest in STEM from an early age.

Robotics programs, such as those involving robots named Bluey and Bear at CSIRO's robotics innovation centre, are being used to demonstrate real-world applications of STEM. Despite the increase in Queensland, girls remain underrepresented in most STEM subjects, although female representation in engineering has grown by nearly 7% and in physics by a slight margin.

Universities and education departments are working to narrow the gender gap and increase female enrolments in hard sciences and mathematics.