The Group’s Work
The Science and Learning Expert Group will develop, in consultation with relevant stakeholders and delivery partners, an Action Plan for improving the overall coherence of activity across Science and Learning and with other strands in the Science and Society Strategy. It will develop a Plan that responds to the Science and Society consultation recommendations to:
- assess the impact of the science curriculum as a core part of science learning and develop appropriate actions – in particular addressing stretch and challenge of the most able students
- better communicate and critically assess the range of options and opportunities for scientists, business and teachers to work together to enhance the science learning experience
- improve continuous professional development for both scientists and teachers to inspire confidence in science teaching and raise and maintain standards
The Plan will take account of the full range of existing statutory roles and responsibilities for the delivery of science learning. The Expert Group will also offer advice on specific issues in science learning for under 19s as requested by the Secretary of State for Children and Families.
The UK needs a science-literate society, in which people are interested in and value science, and continue to seek opportunities for learning throughout their lives. The first experiences of science are usually at school when the bangs and bubbles of chemistry experiments capture the imagination and students learn about the landmark discoveries and inventions that change the way we live. However, there have been numerous studies where children report being ‘turned off science’ at school . This experience of science in schools and colleges should inspire a life-long interest in science. It should also be a firm foundation for encouraging young people to continue to study sciences in order to increase the number of skilled science graduates who will build the Britain of the future.
