School Science and Technology Event Rescheduled for March

A science and technology festival for primary school children, which was postponed last month due to bus driver shortages, has been rescheduled for March. The annual STEMFest event, which also focuses on engineering and mathematics, had to be delayed because of challenges in organizing bus transport for approximately 800 pupils. The event, managed by the Department for Enterprise, is now scheduled to be held on March 26 and 27 at the Villa Marina. Enterprise Minister Tim Johnston stated that the new date allows “sufficient time to arrange logistical and industry support.” First held in 2018, the event features organizations showcasing exhibits about their sectors to spark students’ interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics subjects. The department had been “keen to ensure that no year group misses out on attending” and the event was a “highlight in each schools learning calendar,” Johnson said. Last month, he informed the House of Keys that transporting Year 4 and 5 pupils from all primary schools to the event had been a “slight step too far” amid the pressure on bus services at the time. Primary schools across the island have been informed of the new date, with the majority having confirmed participation, he said. By “nurturing a love for STEM subjects early on in our students we are helping to shape the innovators and problem solvers of tomorrow,” Johnston added.