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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
THIS DOCUMENT DESCRIBES THE FOUR-YEAR STRATEGY DEVELOPED BY SCOTLAND'S FOUR SCIENCE CENTRES, WITH THE SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE.
It supports the aims of the Scottish Executive's Science Strategy for Scotland, and acknowledges the recommendations of the Scottish Science Advisory Committee ( SSAC) reports, Science Matters and Why Science Education Matters.
It has been developed in the context of reports commissioned by the Scottish Executive into the education provision and general operations of the four science centres. Following a detailed report from Jura Consultants, Scottish Ministers decided in June 2004 to provide a £5.1m funding package over two years for the four science centres, including £1m for collaborative education activity.
Although it is recognised that many Scottish visitor attractions have an interest in science issues, this strategy covers the four generally recognised as 'science centres', namely:
- Satrosphere Science Centre, Aberdeen
- Sensation, Dundee
- Our Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh
- Glasgow Science Centre
Each currently operates as a separate entity, with limited experience of working together, to educate, inspire and attract visitors from across Scotland. At the same time there is fragmentation and little cohesive collaboration across the spectrum of Scotland's informal science education initiatives, such as touring schools outreach organisations, festivals, and initiatives promoting science careers.
By working more collaboratively - initially on joint education initiatives - the Scottish science centres aim to share best practice, drive up commercial performance, and provide a more cohesive approach to science education, complementing the formal provision in schools and further and higher education.
In addition, the centres will work more closely with other science and society initiatives, not just to raise awareness of scientific issues and encourage a science-literate public, but also to educate and inspire our children.
A reinvigorated network of science centres will provide an enhanced experience for visitors, with regularly refreshed, shared exhibitions and experiences, and improved commercial and hospitality operations. As a network the centres will have an all-Scotland outlook, beyond their local catchment areas and reaching into more remote parts of the country. At the same time, a network will be in a stronger position to forge beneficial partnerships with centres outside Scotland.
This is the key to how Scotland's science centres need to develop in the next four years: much more than other visitor attractions, they need to inspire, innovate, and aspire to world-class status - appealing to tourists and local visitors, but also complementing the science curriculum, and at the same time encouraging and informing debate among the general public. The science centres must be at the heart of science education, both formal and informal.
Underpinning all of this are the firm foundations of the Science Strategy, direction from the Scottish Executive, and improved commercial and marketing operations, reinforced by the benefits of collaboration. Ultimately the network aims to create a four-site Centre of Excellence, enhancing Scotland's reputation as a pro-science country.
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