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

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.
The LSG response to Professor Louise Hayward’s review of qualifications and assessment.
The LSG response to the national discussion on education.
The LSG response to Scottish Government’s consultation on enhanced data collection for educational improvement.
The LSG response to Professor Ken Muir’s consultation on the proposed replacement of the SQA and reform of Education Scotland.
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.
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.
The LSG response to the OECD review of Curriculum for Excellence, providing insights into how CfE has impacted STEM subjects.
The letter presents the LSG’s main observations with respect to the 2020 alternative assessment model and associated rapid review by Professor Mark Priestley.
A joint response in support of Scottish Parliament’s Education and Skills Committee’s evidence session on COVID-19 and the reopening of schools.
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.
The LSG response to the Scottish Government’s Education and Skills Committee’s inquiry into recruiting and training new teachers.
The LSG response to the General Teaching Council for Scotland’s (GTCS) consultation on revised Professional Standards and a new Professional Code.
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.
The LSG response to the Scottish Parliament Education and Skills Committee’s inquiry into subject choice.
The Learned Societies’ Group on Scottish STEM Education (LSG) brings together the learned societies and professional associations with a focus
The LSG highlights challenges in recruiting and retaining STEM teachers, advocating for improved data on shortages and vacancies.
The LSG emphasises the need for coordinated alignment between the STEM strategy and other initiatives, e.g. National Improvement Framework.
We emphasise aligning data presentation with international standards and maintaining consistency within different levels of exams.
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:

Contact the Learned Societies’ Group on Scottish STEM Education

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