GLENROTHES SCHOOL PRAISED FOR TACKLING ENGINEERING GENDER GAP
Published date : 05 Mar 2019
GLENROTHES SCHOOL PRAISED FOR TACKLING ENGINEERING GENDER GAP
A Glenrothes Primary school has been praised for inspiring the next generation of engineers. The town’s MSP, Jenny Gilruth, was speaking as she paid a visit to Pitteuchar East Primary School and Nursery on Friday, following the School’s STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and maths) showcase last week.
The local politician, who was formerly a teacher in Fife, was impressed by the young people’s enthusiasm for engineering. Commenting after the visit, she said:
‘It was an absolute privilege to meet with the pupil ambassadors involved with the STEAM showcase at Pitteuchar East Primary. Engineering wasn’t promoted when I was at Primary school – it’s great to see how things have changed and, in particular, how girls are being encouraged into STEAM based subjects at an earlier age’.
Class teacher, Lorna Hay commented:
‘Here at Pitteuchar East we place great value on providing our pupils with opportunities to engage regularly in cross-curricular STEAM activities. During our STEAM focus fortnight, we welcomed 16 engineers to the school as well as engaged pupils in workshops from Bright Green Hydrogen, Wild Planet Explorers and Bee Buddies.
Thursday’s Showcase event gave our learners the opportunity to share their learning with their families as well as a wider audience. Our STEAM ambassadors were delighted to share their learning with Jenny Gilruth’.
Last year, 98% of Pitteuchar East Primary pupils gained membership to the Institution of Primary Engineers. Lorna Hay also explained to Jenny Gilruth that research shows that if young people are not interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths by aged 10, then they are not going to choose those subjects in High School. Commenting on this, Jenny Gilruth MSP said:
‘Subject choice in Scottish Secondary schools is a hotly debated topic – in fact, the Parliament’s Education Committee will shortly be conducting an inquiry into this very issue. The work done by the dedicated staff at Pitteuchar East is so vital, because it means that every pupil will have experienced STEAM-based subject disciplines before aged 10.
We need more girls to consider a career in STEAM-based subjects; Pitteuchar East should be commended for all their efforts in working to close the gender gap in Engineering and inspiring the engineers of the future’.
More information on the Education Committee inquiry can be found here – https://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusi…/…/110962.aspx
Glenrothes Gazette, Courier (Fife), EDUCATION
