Errigal College teacher praises STEM Passport for Inclusion programme

A Donegal-based teacher has hailed the impact of the STEM Passport for Inclusion programme in local schools, highlighting his students' “increased confidence, motivation, and interest in STEM subjects.”

Evan Gorrell, a business and computer science teacher at Errigal College in Letterkenny, and originally from Donegal Town, lauded the programme, which over 5,000 students have participated in by the end of 2024.

STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, and refers to fields crucial to innovation and education.

In Donegal, eight schools have participated in the STEM Passport for Inclusion programme, including Errigal College, Scoil Mhuire Buncrana, Mulroy College, Milford, Royal and Prior School, Raphoe, Deele College, Raphoe, Gairmscoil Chú Uladh Béal an Átha Móir, St Columba’s Comprehensive School, Glenties, and St Catherine’s Vocational School, Killybegs.

Gorrell told Donegal Live: “The STEM Passport for Inclusion programme is an initiative aimed at increasing access to and participation in STEM for students from underrepresented groups, with a strong focus on inclusion and gender balance. 

“The programme is delivered to our school by Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and provides students with engaging, practical STEM experiences supported by expert guidance. At Errigal College, our ethos is built on care, respect, equality, excellence in education and community. 

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“We chose to incorporate the programme three years ago because it aligns closely with these values and supports our commitment to providing meaningful opportunities for all students to engage confidently with STEM learning and future pathways.”

When asked how students benefited from taking part in the programme, Gorrell replied: “Students benefit in a wide range of ways from participating in the programme. They engage in hands-on learning experiences that help develop problem-solving, teamwork and critical thinking skills, while also deepening their understanding of STEM subjects. 

“The programme has contributed to increased participation in Leaving Certificate subjects such as Engineering, Computer Science and the Science subjects, with a particularly strong growth in female uptake. 

“Students are also assigned mentors throughout the programme, providing guidance, encouragement and positive role models in STEM. In addition, our partnership with OPTUM Ireland & UK, including the sponsorship of a dedicated STEM Lab, allows students to experience STEM in a modern, industry-linked environment and to see the real-world relevance of their learning.”

Discussing student feedback, Gorrell commented: “We have now completed our third year of the STEM Passport for Inclusion programme, and uptake has increased by approximately 50% year on year. 

“Engagement from students has been very strong, and feedback consistently highlights increased confidence, motivation and interest in STEM subjects. This has led to significant successes, including strong performances in SciFest and VEX Robotics competitions. 

“We are particularly proud that our students have won two of the last three national titles in the Women & Girls in STEM Forum and have gone on to represent Ireland on the European stage. 

“Overall, the feedback and outcomes clearly demonstrate the positive impact of the programme on our students and our wider school community.”