On Thursday
16 May Dr Joyce Gilbert, Education Officer at the Royal Scottish Geographical
Society, arranged for the Higher Geology class at Perth High School to visit
the Scottish Parliament to give a presentation to MSPs about what they had
enjoyed about their year of studying Higher Geology. Their enthusiastic
presentation provoked a fascinating discussion amongst the audience about the
value of Geology (and Earth Sciences) in the Scottish curriculum, and raised
concerns about the Scottish Qualification’s decision to remove the
qualification from 2015.
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| Perth High School pupils and their teacher Miss Hay outside the Scottish Parliament building. |
The
parliamentary visit was hosted by local MSP Liz Smith. The pupils were
supported by Dr Ruth Robinson, senior
lecturer in Earth Sciences from St.
Andrews University,
Prof. Stuart Monro, Scientific Director at Our Dynamic Earth, their teacher
Miss Hay, and, by video link, the RSGS’ President Prof. Iain Stewart, a
geologist known for his presenting work on the BBC programmes Men Of Rock, How to Grow a Planet and Volcano
Live.
Here is what
some of the pupils said about their day:
‘Having the
opportunity to have our voices heard was great. The thought of not only
speaking to MSPs, but trying to show them how great geology is was daunting.
But with the support of two Doctors and two Professors, the day felt really
professional!’
(Brooke
Morran)
‘It was very
beneficial to be able to interact with MSPs and to share our experiences of
studying geology. I hope our presentation made as much impact on them today as
studying geology has made on me this year.’ (Craig Davidson)
‘I greatly
enjoyed visiting the Scottish parliament and experiencing First Ministers
Question Time for myself. I was proud to be part of a group to speak in front
of MSPs to fight for geology to be kept in the school curriculum.’ (Merlin
Hillyer)
‘A very enjoyable day where the presentation
was a great success. I enjoyed speaking and the ensuing discussion was very
thought-provoking. A great end to a geological filled year!’ (Fraser Todd)
The students argued the case for ensuring that geology continues to be represented in the new Scottish
curriculum to seven MSPs from across the parties. Attending were Liberal Democrat Wllie Rennie,
the SNP's Marco Biagi, Annabelle Ewing and Clare Adamson, Scottish Conservatives Nanette Milne and Liz Smith, and independent MSP Jean Urquart.
Geology has been dropped
as an examinable subject within the shake up under Curriculum for Excellence,
but this is not so much a lack of take up as arguably a lack of teacher
training - there has been no geology in teacher training since 1985. The replacement
qualification Environmental Science does not have much Earth Science content.
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| Brooke and Craig join the round table discussion with MSPs. |
Scotland is one of the most geodiverse regions
on the planet, and geologists are involved in work in petroleum, water
resources, natural hazards, environmental problems and climate change.
Also, this decision comes at a time when other countries, including England, Japan,
Norway and Australia are
actually increasing the provision of Geology and Earth Science education.
The RSGS chief executive, Mike Robinson, has called
on ministers to ensure that geology had a future in Scottish schools. “We are
determined not to see this subject disappear from our schools, or be sliced and
diced until there's nothing left,” he said.
“There is a danger that this country, which has led
the world in geology and geography, is turning its back on these practical and
vital modern sciences through a simple lack of understanding.”
Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife said: “I
was delighted to welcome pupils and teachers from Perth High School to
the Scottish Parliament and to watch their first class presentation. It
was clear from the pupils experiences that they had really enjoyed the
their geology studies and had been able to visit a number of sites in
Scotland as part of their project.
“Scotland is one of the most
geodiverse countries in the world and is regarded by many as the cradle
of modern geological thinking. “
Concerns have been expressed that the
Scottish Qualifications Authority is to close Higher Geology as a
subject for examination particularly given the importance of geology to
earth sciences and the emerging industries in Scotland.”
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| Pupils show rock samples to Liz Smith, MSP. |
