In celebration of International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we are delighted to officially launch our National Gold Education Program across Western Australia, New South Wales, Tasmania and Victoria, which is set to inspire the next generation of industry leaders about Australia's diverse gold sector.
Developed in conjunction with Earth Science WA (ESWA), the Program’s highlight is free, dynamic, one-hour gold sessions delivered by passionate gold industry professionals, available to Upper Primary (Years 4-6) and Lower Secondary (Years 7-10) classes.
Incorporating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) hands-on activities, the sessions replicate common-place scenarios within the gold sector, providing students with a unique opportunity to interact with gold industry workers and learn about the diverse range of careers on offer.
GIG Vice Chair and gold-class facilitator Kelly Carter said she was delighted to see the unique initiative come to life, enabling the sector to share insights through the structured program to empower the next wave of talent.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for students across the country to learn more about the gold sector from its most passionate advocates, whilst participating in exciting, curriculum-linked STEM activities.
“We're very proud to have been able to develop this program with ESWA," Ms Carter said.
Students will learn all about gold, its economic and social value, its relevance in everyday life and future opportunities in the free interactive sessions, within the metro and regional catchments where gold-class facilitators operate and live.
Exclusive, free Gold Resources Kits are also on offer as part of the national program, with a range of tools linked to the Australian Curriculum including large rock and gold samples from gold mines in Victoria and Western Australia.
The sessions also feature engaging educational tools such as the free Heart of Gold Australia app, featuring the Perth and Kalgoorlie Heart of Gold Discovery Trails, interactive gold games and widgets, and links to other gold tourism experiences around the country.
ESWA Chief Executive Officer, Jo Watkins, said the Program will deliver industry knowledge to students in a new and tangible way.
“This Program provides the opportunity for students and teachers across a number of regions of Australia to engage with real-world STEM challenges with a gold context.
"It also extends beyond interaction with guest speakers to the wonderful rock kits and activity ideas, which are all freely available. It is a fantastic initiative which we are very proud to be a part of,” Ms Watkins said.
Teachers across Australia can now book a free session with a gold-class facilitator or order a free Gold Resources Kit via the online platform.
The Program officially launched on Tuesday 11 February 2020, to coincide with and in celebration of International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
The GIG’s National Gold Education Program is proudly supported by AngloGold Ashanti Australia, Westgold Resources, Gold Fields, Kirkland Lake Gold, Newcrest Mining, Northern Star Resources, Gold Road Resources, Ramelius Resources and ABC Refinery.