Perth High Pupils argue the case for geology at Scottish Parliament

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. 

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. 

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.”

Pupils show rock samples to Liz Smith, MSP.

Beacons: Stories for our Not So Distant Future.

This week sees the publication of a book of short stories by leading UK authors depicting visions of a positive sustainable future, which was inspired by the villages of Guildtown and Wolfhill.     During the Climate Challenge Funded GW Carbon CAP scheme ten authors were invited to spend the weekend in discussion with locals, leading environmentalists and a range of experts.   The authors gave poetry and prose readings for villagers, ran sessions for local children in how to draw cartoons, and took part in a ceilidh and a number of other social events.    Expenses and costs were funded by the Climate Challenge Fund and the Sibthorp Trust. 

Authors meet in Wolfhill.

After the weekend, the writers were challenged to create their own short stories.    In all, twenty one leading authors have contributed stories to the book, and the list is very impressive, including people such as Alasdair Gray (author of Lanark), AL Kennedy (author of Day and So I Am Glad), Janice Galloway (author of The Trick is To Keep Breathing), Joanne Harris (author of Chocolat) and cartoonist Nick Hayes, who has drawn a graphic short story and designed the book’s cover. By engaging such talented writers, who can portray positive and engaging stories of the social and quality of life benefits of taking positive action, it is hoped that more people should be able to visualise and be willing to embrace the sorts of necessary change. 

Beacons: Stories for our not so distant future.

The Book, entitled ‘Beacons, Stories for our not so distant future’ was released on March 8th, during the UK Government’s Climate Week, and is the brain child of Mike Robinson, Chief Executive of RSGS, who along with the editor Gregory Norminton, has been looking to get this book written and produced for the past seven years.    It retails at £8.99 from One world publications, and a donation from every book sold will go towards Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, the largest coalition ever formed in Scotland, which continues to seek positive action on climate change, and which Mike helped found and chaired from 2006-2010.

Mike said “This book is intended to communicate to the heart and imagination, in a way that much scientific literature struggles to do.    Some people seem to fear change more than they fear climate change.   We hope this book of short stories will challenge, engage, amuse and inspire people and that it might encourage people to think about the sorts of changes they can make to help.”

RSGS's Mike Robinson gives climate evidence

Last week our Chief Executive Mike Robinson, was invited to give evidence to the Rural Affairs and Climate Change Committee (RACCE) of the Scottish Parliament, in response to the Scottish Government publishing the draft Report on Policies and Proposals (RPP2).   

The paper is intended to outline Scotland's path towards a low carbon future, and details by sector some of the Government's firm intentions (policies) and outline plans (proposals) to help achieve the Scottish Climate Act targets. 

Image © Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body – 2012. Licensed under the Open Scottish Parliament Licence v1.0.

Low Carbon Scotland: Meeting our Emissions Reduction Targets 2013-2027 - The Draft Second Report on Proposals and Policies can be read here.