Christine Chapman AM has called on the Welsh Government to consider how it can help change attitudes towards Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics – or STEM – subjects.
The Cynon Valley AM said this is crucial to ensuring greater take-up of these subjects in Welsh schools, and praised the initiatives set out in the Welsh Government’s Science Strategy, such as the establishing of a National Science Academy.
However, during a discussion on the Welsh Government’s Programme for Government, which set out its detailed manifesto of actions following the 2011 elections, the Cynon Valley AM cited evidence from the Institute of Physics which showed the importance of challenging wider perceptions towards STEM subjects. Increased participation in STEM subjects was a key objective for Wales to achieve by 2016.
Christine Chapman AM said:
“Increased engagement in the subjects of science, technology, engineering and mathematics is important for our economic development. “However, the Institute of Physics recently identified a transformation in culture and perception, both in schools and the home, and particularly among girls, as being essential to encouraging greater take-up of STEM subjects.”
In reply, First Minister Carwyn Jones said that:
“The Science Advisory Council for Wales has formed a task and finish group to look further into a number of issues, including the barriers that schools in Wales face to having more of their pupils take part in science engagement or enrichment activities. Those recommendations will be submitted by March of this year. “We continue to fund a number of activities, through the National Science Academy, which focus on raising awareness of the STEM subjects among schoolchildren. We also provide funding for the creation of a doctoral graduate school as part of the Sêr Cymru national research networks programme.”
