Alasdair Allan: We’re striving for excellence in our teaching of science

SCIENCE is a popular choice in our schools. A Royal Society State of the Nation report showed that almost half of students in Scotland aged between 16 and 19 took higher science in 2009, more than in both England and Wales.

SCIENCE is a popular choice in our schools. A Royal Society State of the Nation report showed that almost half of students in Scotland aged between 16 and 19 took higher science in 2009, more than in both England and Wales.

When visiting science classrooms across Scotland I have seen this enthusiasm first hand. Our pupils perform well in science and the report also showed that 80 per cent of those studying sciences at higher received an A, B or C grade compared with around 73 per cent for A-levels in England.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

As part of Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) we are making improvements to the teaching of all subjects. I do not believe that by improving in one subject, another subject should be neglected.

This year S3 pupils will take subject choices for new national qualifications next year.

I believe it is right that the decision on the precise number of qualifications on offer is for schools to take in consultation with pupils and parents to ensure they are meeting the needs and aspirations of individual pupils.

Evidence from school visits by Education Scotland over the past year shows that pupils continue to have a range of subject choices available under CfE.

The models being used by schools allow pupils in S4 the choice of studying between five and eight subjects in 2013/14.

We are committed to supporting science into the future. When the Science and Engineering Education Advisory Group published its report earlier this year, our initial response was to announce £600,000 funding for the Science and Education Research Centre each year for the next three years for its science teacher programme.

I have no doubt that the positive teaching of science under CfE from primary through to secondary will further improve pupils’ interest and engagement with the subject.

In the future we want to see young people taking advantage of the variety of careers available in science that are so important to Scotland’s economy and continue our rich heritage as a science nation.

Alasdair Allan is minister for Learning, Science and Scotland’s Languages in the Scottish Government.