This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Report into improving achievement in science
18/03/2005
HM Inspectorate of Education today published a report
which dentifies good practice in teaching and learning and
further ways to improve pupils' achievement in science
subjects.
Inspectors found:
- Overall attainment at P1-P4 and
in the separate sciences at S3 to S6 was strong.
- The introduction of new levels of
award through the new National Qualifications has
successfully widened access to an increasing number of
learners.
- Science programmes are improving
in primary schools and NQ courses are developing well
in secondary schools.
- There are improvements in science
teaching in both primary and secondary schools,
particularly with regard to the use of interactive
approaches and ICT.
Improving Achievement in Science in Primary and
Secondary Schools also identifies some key areas
in which improvement is needed. These include:
- Continuing weaknesses in the pace
of learning and attainment at the upper primary and
lower secondary stages;
- Weaknesses in pupils' experiences
and attainment in the Standard Grade science course and
in Access and Intermediate 1 courses.
- Content in a number of sciences
courses that is becoming increasingly out-of-date
The report makes recommendations for schools, education
authorities and national education bodies, including
Executive and Learning and Teaching Scotland, on ways to
improve achievement and attainment.
Key recommendations include:
- Establishing closer collaboration
between primary and secondary schools to improve
provision between P6 and S2;
- Establishing more responsive ways
of keeping the content of courses and the skills and
knowledge of teachers fully up-to-date; and
- Reviewing provision to ensure
that all pupils leave school prepared to make informed
decisions about the science they will encounter as
adult citizens, regardless of their chosen career.
Graham Donaldson, HMIE's Senior Chief Inspector
said:
"Scientific understanding must not be just for the few.
We all take decisions daily which require such
understanding. All our young people need sound scientific
knowledge and skills if they are to play their full part as
citizens in a modern Scotland.
"There are real strengths in science teaching in schools
across Scotland. I am pleased to see improving standards
and the benefits of improved investment in the subject. Our
schools continue to produce some very able young
scientists.
"However, too many pupils leave school with little
interest in science and insufficient awareness about its
influence on their lives. Science itself is constantly
growing and evolving. More needs to be done to enthuse all
young people about science and to make sure that courses
are updated to reflect and excite interest in the latest
developments and discoveries. The knowledge and skills of
our teachers also need frequent refreshing to ensure
relevant and effective teaching and learning.
"We are committed to working with schools, councils and
other organisations to improve standards in science. This
report identifies a number of areas for action. It should
be of particular relevance to the review of the 3-18
science curriculum being undertaken in relation to
A Curriculum for Excellence."