August - A Royal Change and the future of STEM education

As I write I’m coming to terms with the death of the Queen. While she reigned over a different country, news of her was part of my childhood and I admired the dignity and duty she embodied. I also, of course, saw her as a fellow horse lover and dog lover.


Several fiction books I’ve read have featured Her Majesty as a major or minor character.




Prince Charles, now King Charles, is a lover of the natural environment, and while in Cornwall and Wales I have seen the traditional farming methods practised there, which he encouraged, such as cut and laid hedges. This has led to a plethora of wildlife in the area, both native and reintroduced. I think a country without a monarchy may find it harder to have reason to hold on to traditions.

Here are some excerpts from an evening of talks about the future of STEM education in Ireland.
RDS ESB Science Blast evening talks

Geraldine Ruane CEO RDS.
ESB Science Blast evening talk 21st June 2022.
Childhood influences later decisions and love of STEM learning. Develops problem solving and critical thinking skills. Facing some challenges. Can be hard to engage young students if they form poor opinions of science. Also need to engage primary teachers.
Roadshow took to primary schools around Ireland. The next ten years – shift in how we deliver STEM education.

Keynote speaker Alastair Blair, Country Manager Director, Accenture.
He has no Master’s degree or PhD. Did engineering – hard subjects. He got just enough points for college. Graduated in 1980s – not enough jobs. Lucky enough to grow up with decisions such as free education. Fundamental gift – never lose sight of that. World is changing more rapidly than before.

“I would argue that I am obsolete in three months from now if I don’t keep up. Marry this with soft skills – critical thinking and collaboration. Social challenges. Ethical development of AI which is something our clients are talking to us about constantly. Changed strapline to let there be change. We need profound change in education.”

Panel discussion
Dr. Mairead Hurley, TCD, research into education.
Meadbh Costello, IBEC.
Dr. Niamh Shaw.
MC – One in five computer science grads are women. Communication – critical thinking – collaboration – creativity.

See the full evening’s notes in an article with photos, on Medium.
https://clareobeara.medium.com/future...

Books I have been enjoying include Pony, Show Me The Bunny, The Queen’s Huntsman. A Pretty Deceit and Femina.





This month I am making Murder at Dublin Mensa free. Grab it 16 – 19 September.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00E78QKP0
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E78QKP0

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Watch my book trailers for my science fiction series:
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