Menu
01/10/2009
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 (pictured) 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)
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 (pictured) 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)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 November 2024
Public Consultation On Decriminalising Rough Sleeping And Begging
The public is invited to share their opinions on proposals to decriminalise rough sleeping and begging in Northern Ireland. Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a consultation on the repeal of Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 and Section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847.
Public Consultation On Decriminalising Rough Sleeping And Begging
The public is invited to share their opinions on proposals to decriminalise rough sleeping and begging in Northern Ireland. Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a consultation on the repeal of Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 and Section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847.
20 November 2024
DAERA Minister Confirms Commitment to Deposit Return Scheme
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has reaffirmed his commitment to introducing a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Northern Ireland. The DRS is designed to encourage recycling by offering a monetary incentive for returning single-use drinks containers. The scheme will cover PET plastic, steel, and aluminium containers ranging from 150ml to 3 litres.
DAERA Minister Confirms Commitment to Deposit Return Scheme
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has reaffirmed his commitment to introducing a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Northern Ireland. The DRS is designed to encourage recycling by offering a monetary incentive for returning single-use drinks containers. The scheme will cover PET plastic, steel, and aluminium containers ranging from 150ml to 3 litres.
18 November 2024
Minister Lyons Highlights Northern Ireland's Engineering Heritage
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has praised the engineering heritage of Northern Ireland during a recent visit to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. A particular highlight of the visit was the Ferguson Black Tractor, a groundbreaking piece of machinery that revolutionised agriculture worldwide.
Minister Lyons Highlights Northern Ireland's Engineering Heritage
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has praised the engineering heritage of Northern Ireland during a recent visit to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. A particular highlight of the visit was the Ferguson Black Tractor, a groundbreaking piece of machinery that revolutionised agriculture worldwide.
22 November 2024
Alliance 'Deeply Concerned' Over Pace Of HIA Redress Scheme
The Alliance Party has raised concerns over the rate of progress on the redress scheme for Historical Institutional Abuse of children. The party's Executive Office spokesperson, Paula Bradshaw MLA, has called on the First and deputy First Minister (FMdFM) must meet victims and survivors urgently over memorialisation and other issues.
Alliance 'Deeply Concerned' Over Pace Of HIA Redress Scheme
The Alliance Party has raised concerns over the rate of progress on the redress scheme for Historical Institutional Abuse of children. The party's Executive Office spokesperson, Paula Bradshaw MLA, has called on the First and deputy First Minister (FMdFM) must meet victims and survivors urgently over memorialisation and other issues.
22 November 2024
SDLP Calls For Action On Food Bank Crisis
The SDLP has called on the Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, to outline how he intends to tackle food bank reliance across Northern Ireland.
SDLP Calls For Action On Food Bank Crisis
The SDLP has called on the Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, to outline how he intends to tackle food bank reliance across Northern Ireland.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
