iSTAR: Inspiring
Science, Technology and Robotics.
We are doing amazing things with digital technologies here at Gladstone Central. As an "Early Launch School" of the Digital Technologies Curriculum in 2017, Central is committed to exploring and implementing innovative ways to support our students to use digital technologies in their learning.
Our iSTAR initiative
(Science, Technology and Robotics) provides a unique and unbroken
transition from primary to high school through to university where
the individual talents of each students are supported by specialist
teachers providing tuition at an advanced level.
What is
the iSTAR Program?
The innovative iSTAR
Program challenges those students with a love and a passion for the
sciences to reach their highest academic potential in those subjects leading
to careers and future leadership in the fields of Science,
Technology, Engineering or Mathematics.
When considering suitable
students, factors that extend beyond academic ability are closely considered.
Candidates for this program must demonstrate an excellent work ethic and show
commitment towards achieving their full academic potential.
The iSTAR Program
aims to develop students as life-long learners so that they become:
- knowledgeable, with
deep understanding
- complete thinkers
- creative
- active investigators
- effective
communicators
- independent and
reflective learners
- self-directed
Fundamental to iSTAR
is the explicit teaching of higher order thinking skills essential
to attaining optimum potential in the STEM fields. Skilful thinking is neither
as natural nor as common as is often assumed, and is unlikely to develop
automatically in every student. The fostering of thinking skills is integral to
the iSTAR curriculum. The program includes special
projects and participation in extension activities with a focus on the
development of thinking and teamwork skills.
Please note: The school, in
consultation with families, reserves the right to withdraw students from this
program at any time.