This Term marks two years since the Gold Industry Group expanded its gold education program across Australia, changing perceptions and inspiring tens of thousands of students about Australia’s gold industry in more than 1,200 primary and secondary schools through free, exclusive Gold Resources Kits and dynamic, STEM-based Gold Class Sessions.
The National Gold Education Program will expand further next Term with the addition of Careers Gold Class Sessions, delivered online or in-person, to secondary schools across Australia following the overwhelming positive feedback received and the growing demand.
Since 2020, more than 1,200 of the popular Gold Resources Kits have been delivered to primary and secondary schools across all States and Territories as well as libraries, bringing gold focussed history, science, mathematics and sustainability lessons to thousands of students and teachers.
The exclusive Gold Resources Kits, which feature gold and rock samples from Australian gold mines, and a variety of STEM and career resources linked to the Australian Curriculum, are exposing and exciting students about the infinite opportunities in Australia’s diverse gold sector.
"Thank you for making gold real for my students - they were very surprised to learn how gold plays a big part in their day, but they had no idea how or why. I have passed the kit on to our school Science teacher and she is delighted to have real specimens to use in her classes," Bletchley Park Primary Year 5 Teacher Michelle Davies.
111 hands-on STEM Gold Class Sessions have been delivered by gold industry workers at 25 primary and 23 secondary schools across Perth, Kalgoorlie, Kambalda, Norseman and Boddington, which all received enthusiastic feedback from both teachers and students.
“The Gold Session was fantastic! Our presenter, Kirsty, was fantastic and engaging! Thank you for the wonderful opportunity!” Hannans Primary School Year 4 Teacher Rachel Skellett.
“I thought it was excellent. Informative presentation followed by an engaging STEM activity. Thanks!" Year 5 Teacher Derren Murphy.
Developed in conjunction with Australian Earth Science Education, the Sessions provide students in Years 4, 5 and 6 with workplace scenarios where they use problem-solving skills to move a gold bar using a pulley system and learn how safety is paramount. Secondary school students in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 closely analyse geological and geophysical maps to identify an area with potential for gold mining.
The Gold Industry Group Chair and Gold Class Facilitator Kelly Carter said she was delighted to see the Program attracting such a high volume of interest and demand for further engagement.
“The response we have seen to the Program to date is testament to the strong connection our community has to the Australian gold sector and presents a huge opportunity to engage with our workforce of the future on the wide range of opportunities available.
“Our employees are the sector’s greatest advocates, and the education program provides a huge opportunity to share that enthusiasm and showcase the depth of roles available.
“Our exclusive Gold Resources Kits and unique Gold Class Sessions highlight the industry’s sustainability practices and projects as well as its far-reaching community impact, and are exciting students about exploring a career in Australia’s diverse gold sector.
“It’s been rewarding to see the majority of students raising their hands at the end of each session who want to explore a career in gold and teachers indicating 95% of students want to find out more about careers in the gold industry after using our kits.
“I am thrilled this year we will be offering a record 1,000 Gold Resources Kits, introducing a new careers session and expanding our session delivery into other States given the fantastic response we’ve had,” Ms Carter said.
The Program’s Gold Class Facilitators are workers within the gold industry from Gold Fields, Gold Road Resources, Northern Star Resources, Bellevue Gold, Evolution Mining, AngloGold Ashanti Australia, St Barbara, Agnico Eagle, The Perth Mint, Ramelius Resources and Westgold Resources, who represent the wide range of careers available including metallurgists, environmental advisors, exploration geologists, human resources advisors and personal assistants, through to general managers and vice presidents.
Passionate Gold Class Facilitator and Gold Fields Project Geologist Craig Talbot has delivered five sessions and is eager to deliver more.
“Being a facilitator in the Gold Industry Group’s National Gold Education Program has been incredibly rewarding. It offers a fun, interactive way to show students just how interesting gold and mining can be through engaging, hands-on activities and presentations.
“Seeing a room full of hands in the air at the end of the session when I ask the question, ‘who would like to have a career in the gold industry?’, shows just how powerful these sessions can be!” said Mr Talbot.
The Gold Industry Group’s National Gold Education Program is inspiring the future leaders of Australia’s gold industry and is proudly championed by its members.