Schools Focus On Science & Technology

Science, technology, engineering and maths - or 'STEM subjects - are to receive top priority in NI schools.

A review - commissioned in 2007 against a backdrop of reducing student numbers choosing STEM subjects - has shown that getting more students to choose such subjects is a key part of the development of the Northern Ireland economy.

The Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey said: "It is clear that the growing sectors of our economy will require an increasing number of STEM graduates and skilled labour.

"I am confident that by implementing the recommendations in this report this goal can be realized," he said.

Shortly after the report was launched, NI Education Minister Caitríona Ruane also added her contribution when she unveiled a £2.1million mobile facility called the STEM Module/Truck.

The vehicle, which will travel around NI to provide facilities for STEM specialist schools, is one of the main tools in a plan to increase the numbers of students who study the subjects.

"It represents an important investment by my Department to help promote STEM subjects and encourage young people to get involved in STEM at an early age", she said.

She added that is necessary to make science, technology and maths more interesting and relevant to stimulate interest and enthusiasm among young people.

The STEM Module/Truck is a mobile laboratory and workshop that offers an interactive workspace with interchangeable teaching resources.

It can be a biology laboratory one day and be transformed into an engineering workshop the next.

It will be managed by the North Eastern Education & Library Board and the new Education and Skills Authority - when it is established in 2010.

Meanwhile, with similar objectives, the NI Regional Development Minister, Conor Murphy this week presented an inaugural award to promote engineering and transport.

"My department is bringing forward many projects in key infrastructure sectors, which will support a successful modern economy," he said.

Ten students from Queen's University Belfast and University of Ulster received the new Ministerial Bursary Awards, each one valued on £1,000.

"I have no doubt that investing in these transport and engineering students and facilitating them to take forward their individual research projects will be worthwhile," he added.

(CL/BMcC)