The purpose of the visit was to find out more about the pioneering work being done to promote the study of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects.
With fewer pupils here studying in these subjects, the Minister was keen to learn at first hand about the successful initiatives that the Museum had in place to attract students to take up these areas and also to research possible areas of collaboration.
Speaking after his meeting with Ioannis Miaoulis, President of the Museum of Science, the Minister said: “Given the global market challenges facing the Northern Ireland economy and in particular its science and technology based industries, the place of STEM within the education system is becoming increasingly important. This however, sits against a backdrop where more and more people are choosing to go to university but are not choosing to study subjects such as Science, Maths, IT and branches of engineering.
“It is crucial therefore that we need to seek partners to help address this problem. The Museum of Science has, for many years, been setting the standard, when it comes to devising programmes to attract students to study STEM subjects. I am confident that through close collaboration on these initiatives, we will in time reverse the trend.”
The Department for Employment and Learning, in conjunction with the Department of Education, has initiated a review of STEM subjects in schools and Further Education colleges. The outcomes of the review, expected shortly, will consider progression routes to higher education and employment, including the links to the skills and innovation needs of the wider economy.
Notes to Editors:
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