On Monday 15th September, Ruby T and Tanisha L (SVI) talked to Senior School at assembly about the impact of STEM in all areas of life. You can read a transcript of their speech below.
Today’s asSTEMbly is on the importance of STEM. Don’t worry – this isn’t about to turn into a maths lesson. Instead, we want to show you how STEM isn’t just something you learn in school – it’s the force shaping the world around us, from the phones in your hands to the medicines that save lives, to the innovations that will define your future.
Here is a fact for you: 90% of the world’s data was created in just the last two years. Think about that. Every photo you post, every funny post you laugh at, every video you scroll past is part of the fastest growing digital universe in history. And behind every single tap, scroll or late night Netflix binge is STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
STEM can sound like just another set of school subjects. But in reality, it’s the backbone of how our society functions. Science gives us healthcare and life-saving medicines. Technology lets us connect with people across the world in seconds. Engineering builds the homes, roads, and transport systems we rely on every day. And mathematics underpins everything, from the algorithms that predict the weather to launching a spacecraft.
For young people, STEM means opportunity. Around 80% of future jobs will need STEM skills, including jobs that don’t even exist yet. From artificial intelligence and robotics to climate science and renewable energy, the future will be built by people who understand and use STEM. That means many of the most exciting careers of tomorrow are waiting for people like you who are curious enough to explore them today.
And it is not just about big sci-fi dreams.
STEM careers can be anything from video-game design to forensic science to building better sports gear.
If you have ever wondered how streaming platforms always know exactly what show you want next – that’s data science, a mix of maths and coding, quietly working behind the scenes.
But STEM isn’t only about careers. It is a mindset. It teaches creativity, problem-solving and resilience. When an engineer designs a bridge or a coder builds an app, it is not just about getting the maths right – it is about thinking critically, adapting when things go wrong, and finding innovative solutions. Those are life skills that will benefit you no matter what path you take – whether you become a doctor, a designer, an entrepreneur, or something that hasn’t been invented yet. That ability to adapt is a life skill you can use whether you’re fixing a bike chain or figuring out university applications.
Most importantly, STEM gives us the tools to tackle the biggest challenges we face as a planet. Climate change, global health, sustainable food, and clean water. From designing electric cars to developing drought resistant crops, science and engineering are at the centre of solutions. STEM doesn’t just solve today’s problems; it shapes tomorrow’s possibilities.
And the digital world is evolving faster than ever.
Take companies like Meta, for example. They’re exploring virtual reality, augmented reality and what they call the “metaverse” – spaces where people can meet, learn and create in ways that blur the line between physical and digital.
These projects are not just about social media or gaming. They are examples of how STEM can build entirely new ways for humans to connect, collaborate, and share ideas – ways that might one day change how we work, how we study, and even how we experience art and culture.
Even outside giant tech companies, STEM is everywhere. Artists use coding to create interactive exhibitions. Musicians use engineering to design new instruments and sound systems. Sports teams rely on maths and physics to track performance and prevent injuries.
So, whether you dream of being a doctor, a designer, a filmmaker or a professional athlete, STEM will play a bigger role in your life more you might think.
When we talk about the importance of STEM, we are really talking about the importance of building a society that is healthier, safer, more connected and more innovative than ever before. The question is not whether STEM will shape the future – that is already happening. The real question is: Will we be the ones leading it?
