• Question: Do you believe that S.T.E.M (science, technology, engineering and maths) is an important part of the current school curriculum?

    Asked by Anna to Matthew, Neil, Paula, Pete, Philippa on 13 Mar 2015.
    • Photo: Matthew Gall

      Matthew Gall answered on 13 Mar 2015:

      Hey Anna,

      Great question. STEM is absolutely an important part of the current school curriculum, however, it needs some major work to be relevant to the employers who are crying out for new engineers to enter the arena!

      One of the biggest issues I see as a Software Engineer is that the current ICT Framework taught in schools is simply not sufficient, and does not teach the skills that we actually require in the industry. If you’re doing Microsoft Word, or Powerpoint in an ICT lesson, your school is doing it wrong. I’d love to see schools embrace programming and logic in your lessons, and remove making colourful leaflets in Publisher!

    • Photo: Philippa Jefferis

      Philippa Jefferis answered on 13 Mar 2015:

      Absolutely! STEM subjects are crucial to the future survival of the human race, and yet it seems that people aren’t interested in them. It’s a shame, as there are so many exciting careers out there where you can really make a difference to so many people – and potentially save the world!

    • Photo: Neil Taylor

      Neil Taylor answered on 16 Mar 2015:

      Hi Anna!

      Yes, I believe that STEM subjects are a vital part of the school curriculum – although I would like to see more emphasis placed on them. In particular, I think that there needs to be more attention given to engineering.

      I think that a module within the engineering course on spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel would be brilliant too – I think just about every engineer in the world uses spreadsheets!

    • Photo: Pete Symons

      Pete Symons answered on 18 Mar 2015:

      Hi Anna,

      I do think its really important and I think its important from an early age! STEM skills are key for countries continued growth and engineering (and Science) presence on a global scale.

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