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 established the first AEROSTEM-themed Learning Center in Hong Kong, integrating STEM education with 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 their interest in STEM and apply their knowledge in innovative ways.
For example, students learn to design real flight paths using advanced navigation software and systems developed by Boeing. This process requires them to complete a series of lessons that incorporate elements of physics, meteorology, geography, mathematics, as well as the positive values of perseverance and responsibility.
The AEROSTEM program begins with fostering an interest in aeronautics. In the middle school STEM curriculum, students learn basic aeronautical knowledge, including science, geography, English language, mathematics, and essential values like hard work, perseverance, and responsibility. After passing assessments, students can enroll in Qualifications Framework (QF) courses offered by the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) to obtain relevant government certificates.
Additionally, senior students have the opportunity to participate in flight training overseas in Australia. They will fly a new single-engine aircraft, allowing them to sit in the cockpit of a real plane and apply the aerospace science and technology knowledge they have learned in school. This experience helps them achieve the important milestone of "launching" their studies.
Moreover, the school provides students with future learning opportunities in aerospace science and technology, forming a diversified and comprehensive platform for studying at overseas higher education institutions. Students can choose courses related to aerospace technology and aerospace engineering, preparing them to become vital members of the future aviation industry and creating new career pathways for themselves.
(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
(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.
