MATHEMATICS

Overview
Introduction
The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics) Education Review Group (STEMERG
Composition, Appendix I) was established in
November 2013 with a view to carrying out a
comprehensive review of STEM education in Ireland
and to making a set of recommendations that would
address identifiable deficits and enhance the quality
of our STEM education system significantly. The
focus of the Review was restricted to primary and
post-primary education.
For many reasons, it is important that STEM
education in Ireland is of the highest international
quality. These reasons include the intrinsic
educational benefits, the direct link to economic
competitiveness and the need for well-informed
citizens in democratic decision-making:
n Stimulating curiosity and fostering a sense of
wonder are essential elements of educating our
students from the earliest years. Science and
Mathematics provide answers to the fundamental
questions of nature and enable us to understand
the world around us. The STEM disciplines enable
us to understand, measure, design and advance
our physical world.
STEM EDUCATION IN THE IRISH SCHOOL SYSTEM
n Expertise in STEM subjects is necessary to drive
our economic competitiveness and to provide the
foundations for future prosperity. Knowledgebased
economies, such as Ireland’s, are
particularly dependent on the quality and
number of STEM graduates.
n Modern democracies need scientifically literate
citizens in order to make well-informed decisions
regarding major global issues such as climate
change, sustainability, energy, and food security.
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