Local MSP Stewart Stevenson Backs STEM Education Consultation

SNP MSP for Banffshire & Buchan Coast, Stewart Stevenson, has backed STEM subject education consultation.

Mr Stevenson spoke during a Parliamentary debate where science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and training strategies were discussed. He highlighted the contribution of women to computing and emphasised the importance of establishing a culture more comfortable with numeracy.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said,

Wikipedia - Grace Hopper

"The great heroes of computing are mostly female. I don't think that is talked about enough. It was a women that developed the first algorithm for computer programming, a Miss Ada Lovelace. And more recently Rear Admiral, Grace Hopper, another women, created the method we use to develop computer programmes. If we are going to make progress in our STEM strategies, we need a holistic view which encourages and recognises the important contribution women have made to the field.

"Overall, the key to any STEM strategy is making sure parents and families create a number-friendly environment at home. Families have a huge role to play in a child's attitude towards numbers. Families should make numbers and science enjoyable — I know from experience with my four-year-old goddaughter, that it works.

"The essential point that we need to realise is that we are trying to encourage questioning minds. I want to see successful, happy, engaged people in STEM subjects. If we each contribute, individually, as parents, and as families – we will make substantial progress towards our goal. I hope our final strategy reflects that."