Written Evidence Submitted by Derrick Willer MBE

(DIV0113)

My own experience over some 40 years is that teachers do all they can to encourage all pupils to participate and enjoy STEM activities.

The problem lies with the cultures of the individual pupils and their families.

Girls preferring not to study physics is a culture problem, just as boys not wanting to study needlework.

Pupils of other races and religions are also affected by the culture appropriate to their race and religion.

Parents too often provide guidance against STEM.

I have noticed that teachers using project based learning always achieve improved diversification.

Locally the best examples are at WMG Academy and Coundon Court Academy in Coventry.

Both utilise project based learning which forces pupils to learn about subject their culture would normally reject.

(June 2022)