We need more girls to study engineering and science
A MAJOR drive is under way to increase the number of girls studying science, technology, engineering and maths (Stem) subjects for the Leaving Cert.
It is one of the key focuses in a 10-year plan being launched today by Education Minister Richard Bruton to boost uptake in Stem subjects and ensure that school-leavers and third-level graduates are equipped with essential skills for the rapidly changing workplace.
A MAJOR drive is under way to increase the number of girls studying science, technology, engineering and maths (Stem) subjects for the Leaving Cert.
It is one of the key focuses in a 10-year plan being launched today to boost uptake in Stem and ensure that school-leavers and graduates are equipped with essential skills for the rapidly changing workplace.
“We are undergoing a technological revolution globally. If Ireland is to be at the forefront of this transformation, we must be a leader in nurturing, developing and deploying Stem talent,” Education Minister Richard Bruton said.
Key to his ambition to create the best education system in Europe by 2026, would be its ability to adapt to a transformed economy and society.
“Our children must be equipped with the necessary analytical, creativity and critical thinking skills to thrive in such an environment,” he said.
About one in four graduates in Ireland has a Stem qualification but that is not enough to meet the current and future skills needs of the “knowledge” economy.
As well as graduates, there is also a need for more apprenticeships that develop Stem skills.
Mr Bruton said his plan contained “challenging proposals, which require commitment across the education system to achieve the stated ambitions”.
Among the issues to be addressed was a “significant gender gap” in the uptake of Stem subjects, such as less than 20pc of Leaving Cert female candidates taking physics or chemistry in 2017. By comparison, about 60pc took biology.
It will involve targeted measures to increase female uptake in Stem subjects by 40pc, and, overall, seeks to drive a 20pc boost in the number of pupils taking chemistry, physics, technology and engineering.
Through that, the aim is to lay the foundations for more school-leavers to pursue Stem-related third-level courses and careers.
The plan will start the process of piquing children’s interest in Stem in pre-schools