Embracing ‘science capital’: An investigation into the approaches and initiatives established by a post-primary school to promote the uptake of STEM related subjects and subsequently STEM related careers with a particular focus on how this is helping to r

Abstract

The motivation for my study on the STEM gender imbalance was sparked when I read the statistic that currently in N Ireland “the ratio of males to females employed in STEM-related industries is 3 to 1” (Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, 2015). The insufficient number of females who study STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects at A-Level through to industry is a highly concerning issue for the future of the N Ireland economy. I believe it is my responsibility as an aspiring post-primary teacher of mathematics and science to promote the uptake of the STEM subjects and careers to the female population for the future success of our economy. I set out to identify the successful strategies being used in one post-primary school and promote those strategies through the creation of a professional development resource to be of use in future practice.