The STEM is part of the whole

摘要

With my focus on reaffirming the high standards of our profession, I have decided that for my column this month I will address the matter of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (commonly referred to as STEM) in our secondary-education system. This has been a subject of considerable work and comment during the last year and a matter of some political debate. However, I want to focus on more fundamental issues here. The regular message that I have heard from our academic world over the years is that there has been a decline in the skill level of students entering first year university. The skill level in fundamental maths and science in particular, as well as in engineering and technology related subjects, has declined. To me that is a matter of major concern.