Equality ‘most challenging’ value to implement in one third of all post primary schools, Coding Ireland finds

There is room for improvement when it comes to passing on STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) and digital skills to young people in Westmeath, a report issued in the last week has concluded.

Coding Ireland, which promotes education in STEM and digital skills, released its STEM Report 2024, the largest survey and analysis of the current state of STEM and digital skills education in Irish primary and secondary schools, youth centres, and libraries.

The report found that in Westmeath, 65% of educational organisations have integrated STEM and digital skills into their curriculum: “This is slightly below the national average of 66%, but still shows a commitment to equipping students with essential skills for the future,” the report states.

Asked what are the primary difficulties in effectively teaching STEM and digital skills, educators in Westmeath identified a lack of resources (46%) and insufficient training (37%) as the primary barriers.

According to Coding Ireland, these figures align closely with national trends, where 46% of educators cite resource limitations and 38% point to training needs.

“To overcome those challenges, educators have expressed a need for more professional development opportunities and access to modern teaching tools,” Coding Ireland says.

Continuing, the report states that professional development in STEM and digital skills remains a priority in Westmeath, and 55% of organisations reported participation in training programmes over the last year. That figure is on par with the national average, highlighting a widespread recognition of the importance of ongoing educator training in the field.

The report goes on to say that availability of equipment is a critical factor in delivering effective STEM education: “In Westmeath, 52% of organisations report having adequate equipment, which is just below the national figure of 54%. That indicates a need for increased investment in educational technology to ensure all students have access to the necessary tools.”

The survey also found that funding remains a significant concern for many organisations in Westmeath, as 48% indicated they face financial constraints in implementing STEM and digital skills programmes.

“This is comparable to the national average of 47%, underscoring the need for targeted funding initiatives to support these critical educational areas,” the report states.

Clear from the responses provided was the fact that awareness and support from parents for STEM education in Westmeath are strong, and 60% of organisations (which matches the national average) reported positive parental engagement.

Commenting on the future outlook, for STEM and digital skills education in Westmeath, the report describes it as “promising”, stating that with 69% of organisations planning to expand their STEM offerings in the next three years, there is a clear commitment to enhancing educational outcomes and preparing students for a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Coding Ireland describes itself as being dedicated to making coding and robotics education accessible, engaging, and fun for students of all ages. It works with schools, youth centres, and libraries across the country, providing a digital skills curriculum designed to support STEM education from Junior Infants to 6th Year.

“We are thrilled to launch the Coding Ireland STEM Report 2024. By providing a detailed overview of the current state of STEM education in Ireland, we hope to inspire improvements that will benefit students and educators alike,” Alan Joyce, founder, Coding Ireland, said this week.