THE way of the future is a very real concept in classrooms in today's modern world, but a program being introduced in Leeton shire is going one step further.
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Parkview Public School is one of the latest to be part of the STEM Industry School Partnerships (SISP) initiative, which is being rolled out MIA and Riverina.
SISP is a partnership between schools, industry, business, government, universities and other key stakeholders.
It aims to improve teacher confidence in delivering science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) curriculum through the use of modern technology such as robotics, drones, apps, coding, and much more.
It also aims to develop knowledge and skills of students as the jobs of the future continue to change, develop and even be invented.
The idea is to equip students with real-time knowledge, while also learning how these skills can be used in "real life" industry jobs, training and study.
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The program has been operating mostly in Griffith in the MIA, but Leeton High School and Parkview Public School are two newcomers set to benefit.
There's a focus on "agritech" in this region.
Meaning if students are studying solar power, industry leaders can be contacted to present to students or facilitate visits to solar farms.
Regional Development Australia is also a partner of this Department of Education initiative.
"There's a real focus on collaboration and inquiry-based learning," Riverina STEM project officer for SISP Ian Preston said.
"It's about incorporating this new technology into learning, but also showing and creating links to future careers and industries in this area."
Parkview Public School principal Travis Irvin said students were "digital natives", but it was important to show them where this could take them in the future.
"The response is really positive from the kids ... we've got a continuum of (STEM) resources from kinder to year 6 and that's why it's exciting for us to be involved with this," he said.
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