Defence force upskills teachers

Wellsford School teacher Molly Dagger was among 40 teachers from around NZ who attended a teachers’ edition of the combined School to Skies and School to Seas Camp, held at the RNZAF Base at Whenuapai and the Devonport Naval Base, last month.

The camp aims to empower teachers to arm their students with confidence and curiosity, and inspire a potential career in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

School to Skies programme lead Squadron Leader Matthew Pitts said the teachers gained hands-on experience in the aviation and maritime industries, and the camp provided them with new educational tools and ideas, as well as introducing them to inspirational career opportunities available to their students.

He said the aim was for participants to develop a learning experience that would inspire their students to pursue STEM career pathways and, in turn, help to increase diversity in RNZAF technical and aviation-based roles.

Dagger said the experience had completely changed her perception of the military, which she admitted had largely been informed by movies and the media.

“We found the defence personnel we met very hardworking, welcoming and committed to seeing people reach their potential,” she said.

“I also didn’t realise the sheer number of career options and trades they offer, from musicians to warfare officers to chefs. There are so many opportunities, which would suit such a wide range of people. That’s something I’ll definitely be communicating to students who are unsure of what they want to do when they leave school.

“There is also a misconception that you have to be super fit to join the services but, in fact, there is a huge emphasis on health care to support people to reach their required fitness levels.”
In terms of teaching STEM, Dagger said the camp had given her a range of ideas for how to deliver these subjects in class, which she was looking forward to sharing with other teachers at the school.

“Not everyone learns from books – sometimes taking a more practical approach such as constructing something like a small plane, as we did – will produce better learning outcomes.”

At RNZAF Base Auckland, the teachers were introduced to military skills, the principles of flight and aviation mission planning. They also boarded a C-130H(NZ) Hercules for a flight over Auckland with No. 40 Squadron.

School to Seas project lead Lieutenant Commander Emily Kutarski said recruiting and supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce, which represented all New Zealanders, was also critically important for the RNZN.

“School to Seas certainly helps to show the range of career opportunities the Navy has to offer,” she said.

“The camp aims to introduce what life is like at sea, as well as break down stereotypes and barriers that may prevent women and other under-represented groups from enlisting in the Navy.”

During their time at Devonport Naval Base, the teachers were shown what day-to-day life was like for Navy personnel, as well as firefighting, navigation and leadership skills.

“New Zealand’s STEM workforce has less than 30 per cent women. Female students in New Zealand drop out of studying maths and science at a rate far higher than their male counterparts, and for Māori or Pasifika that rate is even greater.

“With global long-term shortages in the STEM workforce, we need to attract young women in order to sustain and grow our numbers both in the Navy and the wider maritime industry,” Kutarski said.