News Archive

The future of secondary school science teaching – University of Reading

Around 60 science teachers from secondary schools and colleges came to the University of Reading during National Science Week to learn more about the imminent changes to the teaching of secondary school science and the examinations systems. Dr Martin Hollins, Principal Consultant for Science and Technology at the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, explained how the secondary school curriculum will be changing from September 2004, with the aim of introducing more subject choice and flexibility along with vocational opportunities and work-related learning. All students will still study science to the age of 16, but the emphasis will be on the way science and scientists work in society and the impact of scientific issues on our daily lives. This central core will lead to new choices in science at GCSE. Students will still be able to study single science, but there will also be the option to take a double award in topic areas such as 'Applied Science', 'Natural Science' or 'Science for the 21st Century'. During the talk on Tuesday 16 March, which was organised by the Chemistry Teachers' Centre in the University's School of Chemistry, Dr Hollins also discussed the possible changes to the secondary schools' qualifications framework after the publication of the Tomlinson review in September 2004. Dr Hollins said that the review aimed to develop progression routes for students through secondary education which are adaptable to individual needs. This would mean teaching relevant qualifications and skills to those aiming directly for employment, and providing equivalent levels which will stretch our brightest students and prepare them for higher education. End Notes for editors -For any media enquiries, please contact Craig Hillsley, Press Officer, University of Reading. Tel: 0118 378 7388 E-mail: c.hillsley@reading.ac.uk -About the Chemistry Teachers' Centre The CTC was set up in 2000 to establish links between the University of Reading and local secondary school teachers. It now has more than 100 members who visit the School of Chemistry for various events organised for both teachers and school students.