Learned Societies’ Group on Scottish STEM Education

The Learned Societies’ Group on Scottish STEM Education (LSG) was established in 2012 over concerns about major reforms in the delivery of STEM education in Scottish schools.

There was recognition that, while the member organisations are individually active in this area, more can be achieved by a formal collaborative grouping that identifies, discusses and takes action on common issues.

Group purpose

The Group has the following remit:

To be proactive in identifying and promoting priorities for school STEM education in Scotland, and to liaise with other relevant organisations and groups;

To consider and monitor school STEM education initiatives or developments, particularly those from Government and its agencies, and respond to these;

To organise meetings or other events that stimulate debate on school STEM education in Scotland;

To provide advice on school STEM education to decision makers, including to Ministers, MSPs, civil servants and local authority representatives.

Implicit in the Group’s remit is the intention to foster relationships, share events and provide advice to policymakers and other relevant bodies in cooperation with a broader range of STEM-related learned societies and professional associations.

Group activities

Joint statement on the re-introduction of coursework and assignments for practical subjects
The LSG and the RSE welcome, in principle, the decision by the SQA to re-introduce coursework and examinations for practical subjects that were removed from the assessment of National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher subjects during the Covi-19 pandemic.
LSG: Hayward review of qualifications and assessment
The LSG response to Professor Louise Hayward’s review of qualifications and assessment.
LSG: National discussion on education
The LSG response to the national discussion on education.
LSG: Enhanced data collection for educational improvement
The LSG response to Scottish Government’s consultation on enhanced data collection for educational improvement.
Learned Societies’ Group response to Professor Ken Muir’s education reform consultation
The LSG response to Professor Ken Muir’s consultation on the proposed replacement of the SQA and reform of Education Scotland.
Learned Societies’ Group response to SQA’s consultation on proposed modifications to National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher assessments for 2020-21
The letter presents the LSG’s suggestions for proposed modifications to National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher assessments for 2020-21, in response to a consultation by SQA.
Learned Societies’ Group briefing to MSPs
This briefing paper highlights what the Learned Societies’ Group on Scottish STEM Education believes are the most prominent issues for STEM education in Scotland and presents associated recommendations and calls for action.
Learned Societies’ Group response to the OECD review of Curriculum for Excellence
The LSG response to the OECD review of Curriculum for Excellence, providing insights into how CfE has impacted STEM subjects.
Response to the rapid review of the 2020 National Qualifications experience
The letter presents the LSG’s main observations with respect to the 2020 alternative assessment model and associated rapid review by Professor Mark Priestley.
Joint RSE Education Committee and Learned Societies’ Group response to Scottish Parliament’s Education and Skills Committee’s evidence session on COVID-19 and the reopening of schools
A joint response in support of Scottish Parliament’s Education and Skills Committee’s evidence session on COVID-19 and the reopening of schools.
Learned Societies’ Group letter to Scottish Government on COVID-19 and reduction in examinable course content for 2020-21
The LSG wrote to Scottish Government’s COVID-19 Education Recovery Group to recommend a reduction in examinable course content for 2020-21 in reflection of the widespread disruptions to teaching and learning brought on by the pandemic.
Learned Societies’ Group response to Scottish Parliament Education and Skills Committee’s inquiry into recruiting and training new teachers
The LSG response to the Scottish Government’s Education and Skills Committee’s inquiry into recruiting and training new teachers.
Learned Societies’ Group response to GTCS’ consultation on Professional Standards and a new Professional Code
The LSG response to the General Teaching Council for Scotland’s (GTCS) consultation on revised Professional Standards and a new Professional Code.
Learned Societies’ Group response to Scottish Parliament Education and Skills Committee’s inquiry into STEM in early years education
The LSG response to the Scottish Parliament Education and Skills Committee’s call for evidence on the STEM experiences of three to seven year olds.
Learned Societies’ Group response to Scottish Parliament Education and Skills Committee’s inquiry into subject choice at secondary school
The LSG response to the Scottish Parliament Education and Skills Committee’s inquiry into subject choice.
LSG: Entry Requirements to Programmes of Initial Teacher Education in Scotland
The Learned Societies’ Group on Scottish STEM Education (LSG) brings together the learned societies and professional associations with a focus
LSG: Teacher workforce planning for Scotland’s schools
The LSG highlights challenges in recruiting and retaining STEM teachers, advocating for improved data on shortages and vacancies.
LSG: STEM education and training strategy
The LSG emphasises the need for coordinated alignment between the STEM strategy and other initiatives, e.g. National Improvement Framework.
LSG: Presentation of data in science subjects for SQA
We emphasise aligning data presentation with international standards and maintaining consistency within different levels of exams.
LSG: Resourcing in schools science in Scotland
The survey revealed that both primary and secondary schools faced inadequacies in science equipment and funding.

Group membership

Collaborative interdisciplinary learning is a major strand of Curriculum for Excellence. This has been important in terms of influencing the scope of the group and its membership. The Group currently comprises representatives from the:

Royal Society of Edinburgh
Royal Society of Chemistry
Institute of Physics
Royal Society of Biology
Association for Science Education
British Computer Society
Edinburgh Mathematical Society
Scottish Mathematical Council
Institution of Engineering and Technology

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