Ten benchmarks to transform practical science in schools published

A new report outlining ten benchmarks to transform practical science education in England has been published by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation.

Good Practical Science, led by Sir John Holman, details recommendations to help schools achieve world-class science education.

The report looked at more than 400 secondary schools in England to look at the status of practical science, and visited world-leading nations including Finland, Germany and Singapore to learn what was done differently internationally.

John Holman, emeritus professor of chemistry at the University of York and a former headteacher, said: “Time and time again we have seen that practical science is key not only for learning, but also for inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers and technicians.

“The benchmarks presented in this report reflect world-leading standards and we hope to empower our teachers by giving them the tools to include practical science in a greater proportion of their lessons.”

The research found that in more than a quarter of schools (28 per cent) teaching A Level in England, some science pupils have had a teacher who has had no more than an A Level themselves in the subject themselves.

John continued: “So too often our teachers are being asked to deliver practical science that is outside their comfort zone.”

Despite its global perspective, the Good Practical Science report presents achievable goals to help schools on the journey to achieving world-class science education, even in the face of tight budgets.

John added: ““By far the greatest cost in delivering good practical science is teachers’ time, a cost that schools are already committed to, so in the end, it is for headteachers and science heads to decide.

“Our benchmarks show what needs to be done to deliver practical science that is world class. By achieving that, we will engage students, whether or not they pursue science in the future, in the essence of what it is to be a scientist.”

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