STEAM Education

Feature AEROSTEM curriculum

Chinese Y.M.C.A. Secondary School provides students with a unique technology-based learning program based on the concept of "Science and Education for a Better Country". The school has set up the first AEROSTEM-themed Learning Center in Hong Kong by integrating STEM education and aviation technology. It is equipped with a two-seated DA-40 flight simulator certified by the Australian Civil Aviation and Safety Authority (ACASA) to help students build up their interest in STEM and put their knowledge into practice in new ways. For example, students learn to design real flight paths using the most advanced navigation software and systems developed by the Boeing aircraft manufacturer, provided by the school, which requires them to complete a series of lessons using elements of physics, meteorology, geography, mathematics, and the positive values of perseverance and responsibility. The school's AEROSTEM program begins with an interest in aeronautics. In the middle school STEM education program, students learn basic aeronautical knowledge including science, geography, English language, mathematics, and values (including hard work, perseverance, and responsibility). After passing the assessment, students can continue to enroll in the Qualifications Framework (QF) courses offered by the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) and obtain the relevant government certificates. In addition, senior students can go overseas (Australia) to participate in flight training, flying a new single-engine small aircraft in the sky, so that students can be in the cockpit of a real aircraft and put into practice the aerospace science and technology knowledge they have learned in school, so that they can really achieve the step of "launching" in their studies. Moreover, the school also provides students with future aerospace science and technology learning or related training programs, forming a diversified and one-stop platform for them to study in overseas higher education institutions. Students can choose to study courses related to aerospace technology and aerospace engineering to prepare them to become an important member of the future aviation industry, and to create a new world for them in terms of career planning.

(1) Regular Curriculum

STEAM Education Committee evaluates and develops the current S1 and S2 STEAM regular curriculum constantly. The objective is to create the “Maker Culture”, which is one of the world’s educational trends. In the school year 2022-2023, the teaching elements of aerospace science, aviation and artificial intelligence (AI) will be included.

(2) Large-scale Plans and Activities

The school was funded by QEF in May 2021. In the school years 2021-2023, a large-scale STEAM project will be carried out: renovation of the STEAM laboratory, procurement of a large number of equipment and hardware, and conducting of teachers’ training workshops and students’ enhancement activities.

In addition, the school applied for “Secondary School IT Innovation Lab Funding Project” and was approved. In the school year 2022-2023, the school will hold various STEAM activities and purchase diverse facilities and apparatus in order to make the activities even more interesting and intellectual. The school will apply for the funding project of school years 2023-2026 with the aim of promoting sustainable development in STEAM education.

STEAM Education Committee regularly arranges grand STEAM activities, for example, STEAM Week, AEROSTEM Days. Students could experience different aspects of STEAM knowledge so as to broaden their horizons and stimulate their thinking.

(3) Inter-school and International Competitions

Students of the school have shown excellent performance in many inter-school and international competitions in recent years. The achievement of “STEAM Team” was even more outstanding. They won the championship of “Odyssey of the Mind Hong Kong Regional Tournament (age group 15)”, and the 4th place in the world finals.

(4) AEROSTEM

For the development of AEROSTEM as themed in Chinese Y.M.C.A. Secondary School (CYMCASS), cooperation with Boeing and Aerosim (HK) is to promote aviation-related learning activities.  Our vision in inspiring students for their flying dreams and promoting STEAM through aviation-related programs among secondary students is practically in line with the current involvement of commercial enterprises, promoting aviation in education sector.  In our tailor-made STEAM education programs, students are taught how to use an advanced aero-navigation system (ForeFlight) developed by Boeing.  We are proudly invited to work with Boeing and Aerosim (HK) to make CYMCASS the first authorized ForeFlight academy in Asia to promote AEROSTEM education. Additionally, selected students were sent to The School of Aviation at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia for a real flight training program which is not only to enrich their understanding of aviation, but also it is to let them practice their flying skills in a professional manner. Students can achieve internationally-recognized qualifications through different related local and overseas training courses to equip themselves for future career development. Dreams + Education + Practicality + Achievement are the core elements of our AEROSTEM program. 

The AEROSTEM centre is equipped with a flight simulator installed in the 1:1 cockpit frame of a single-engine light aircraft, Diamond 40, which is the first in Hong Kong and it is certified by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority in Australia. Students can attempt the flight simulation in such an immersive environment during their STEAM lessons.

Students of the school participated in the Inter-school Aviation Tournament in the school year 2021-2022. The student team was awarded 2nd runner up of Overall Best Performance (STEAM project) and some of the team members entered the grand finale of the tournament.

Besides, starting from 2022-2023, a professional training course, ‘Foundation Certificate in Ground Operations and Aviation English for secondary school’ is organised to develop students’ future career planning. Taught by professional instructors and genuine airlines pilots, students learn not only the professional knowledge in aviation but also they are trained to be responsible learners in a disciplined and organised manner.  Students from the first batch of the training course have successfully completed the training and obtained the relevant qualification in June 2023.  Feedback from learners in the course is positive.  The feature STEM learning atmosphere is built. 

(5) Hong Kong Tech Challenge Game 2024

Hong Kong Tech Challenge Game 2014 is a major annual event in the local STEAM community which is organised by the Asian Robotics League Fund and implemented by the Hong Kong Productivity Council. The winning teams will have the opportunity to represent Hong Kong at the VEX Robotic World Championships held in the USA, sponsored by the Innovation and Technology Commission. For better preparation for the game, a series of training, coding mentorship programme, and practice matches will be organised. “Over Under" is the theme of this year, and participants will compete in teams to test their ability to programme, drive, strategise, and work as a team.