Science Education in UK

Circuit board, Science Concepts © Digital Vision



		Climate Champions


		Hydrogen Clubs


		Scientist-to-scientist links


		Cubed Webzine

SETNET

The Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematics Network (SETNET) is a UK-wide charity that promotes Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) awareness, especially among young people. SETNET is the home of the UK’s science and engineering ambassador scheme, which places role models from business in schools to demonstrate the wealth of possibilities for science graduates. There are currently over 12,000 science and engineering ambassadors across the UK

British Association for the Advancement of Science

The British Association for the Advancement of Science (the BA) supports the BA CREST awards, which encourage students to develop their scientific curiosity, problem-solving and communication skills. The BA scheme facilitates links between schools and industry or higher education and enables students of all abilities to explore real scientific, engineering and technological problems for themselves and promotes work-related learning.

Wellcome trust

The Wellcome trust supports teacher CPD via science learning centres and funds modern interactive science museums and centres for schoolchildren.

The Royal Society

The Royal Society runs an information site for students that aims to give greater access to information about science and scientists and to answer questions about how scientists work.

	How science education in the UK is evolving


	UK experience

Science is key to our success

The British Government strongly believes that science is key for the UK to compete in the future global economy and hence that it is essential to persuade the brightest young people that a science career provides extensive opportunities and rewards.

There has however been an ongoing decline in the popularity of studying science at higher levels and in science careers, especially in the physical and engineering sciences. The Government is determined to reverse this trend and produced a document "Science and Innovation Investment Framework 2004-2014" which highlights the Government’s aims with respect to science and innovation and includes its latest aims with respect to science education.

The Government’s ambition is to create an education and training environment that delivers the best in science teaching and learning at every stage. This ambition is supported by the British Council and a range of other organisations who work towards the development of science education and innovation in the UK and beyond.

To find information about studying in the UK, including links to funding providers, visit British Council.

UK Initiatives designed to improve and expand science education

A new science curriculum to enthuse students
The new science program, which will be taught from September 2006, is based on "how science works" and includes science methods and the way science develops. It also allows schools greater flexibility in curriculum design to best suit their pupils’ needs. Find out more about the UK science curriculum.

The creation of specialist schools in science and technology
Schools are able to acquire "specialist" status, by providing enhanced facilities and teaching in one or more subject areas. The school raises £50,000 (~$90,000) in industry/private sponsorship and the government then provides an additional £100,000 for new facilities and resources. The government aims for all schools to have a specialist status by 2008.

Improving the teaching of science
The UK Government supports a number of incentives for teachers. For example, financial support for teacher training has improved substantially and there are new resources for continuous professional development (CPD) to encourage science teachers to improve their depth of knowledge in chemistry, physics and maths. A wealth of teaching resources for teachers is also available on the internet; including on curriculum standards.