As we transition into a new decade over the coming months, considerable thought is going towards the ambiguity of the future; specifically, where technology is taking us, and how it can be used for improving global communities and society as a whole.
This has considerable effect on what students learn in school, as the future workers, creators and leaders of the world. At Melbourne Girls Grammar, our programs are designed to provide authentic opportunities for students to learn and engage with real-world experiences, to prepare them for an increasingly complex and globally connected world.
Our Student Enterprise program features international programs, internships, and leadership development offerings, with a key focus on encouraging students to look outside their own community.
I want to see women involved in building technology.
Tamara, Year 9 Student
Year 9 student, Tamara, has embraced the program; with her confidence, resilience and determination allowing her to develop skills that will help her adapt in an ever-changing world.
“My first experience as part of student enterprise was an internship at one of the leading banks in the Girls in IT Program,” says Tamara, “from there, I was handpicked by the head of cyber security at the bank and offered work experience within their cyber security team, which I will complete this term”.
Taking part in all advertised STEM events as part of the Student Enterprise program was important to Tamara, as she says, “technology is a crucial tool used to foster and support innovation and connections”.
At Melbourne Girls Grammar, students shape their own learning experiences, this is an integral element of our holistic education philosophy.
“When we talk of empowerment at Melbourne Girls Grammar, we refer to the ability for our Grammarians to gain experiences and take on activities that provide a broader focus to help them understand who they are, and what matters,” says Principal, Dr Toni Meath.
“This encapsulates expanding their view of the world, what is possible, and how they can contribute to something bigger than themselves or their immediate community,” adds Dr Meath, “Education is about developing the whole person, so that the individual is enabled to live a full and rich life, while making a fine contribution to society”.
Tamara is constantly participating in many STEM careers workshops, seminars and conferences in the areas of engineering, IT and technology. Since becoming passionate about coding through Victorian event Code Like a Girl, Tamara has decided to apply this knowledge to giving back to others.
Tamara is currently developing an App to help vision impaired people cross roads with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence. She has already completed the software for the App, now she’s working towards the official release.
Education is about developing the whole person, so that the individual is enabled to live a full and rich life, while making a fine contribution to society.
Principal, Dr Toni Meath
“The App provides vision impaired people with a better sense of security, a security a majority of us have from being able to see the roads,” adds Tamara, “I did some research about the difficulties vision impaired people have with crossing the road, and I thought if I have the skills to do something to fix that issue, I should”.
At just 14-years-old, Tamara is breaking down stigmas and having an impact on broader society. She has been invited to speak on ABC radio, and to be an ambassador for technology at Melbourne Knowledge Week – the only ambassador under 18 represented in the entire program. On September 3 this year, Tamara was awarded a Special Recognition Award at the Inaugural Women in Security Conference, the only school student to receive an award.
“I was very lucky to get into technology, and now I feel like I can share the opportunities that technology brings, especially with young women who are underrepresented in this field…I want to see women involved in building technology,” says Tamara.
With ambitions to create a Tech Club at Melbourne Girls Grammar, Tamara is keen to keep pursuing this technology narrative, and sharing what she has learnt with others.
“I have learned so much from other people and have in turn helped others when they were stuck,” adds Tamara, “so I feel like I can facilitate this experience for people to find their pathway in technology and make it a more natural component of our everyday life”.