Practical science lessons for GCSE pupils not offered regularly, report shows

Over a quarter of GCSE science pupils have revealed that they are not offered practical lessons often enough.

According to a survey conducted by Wellcome Trust - a charity which supports scientists and researchers - pupils have admitted that they take part in practical lessons less than once a month, or never.

The Science Education Tracker report questioned 4,081 14 to 18-year-olds and found that 29 per cent rarely get the opportunity to do science experiments.

More than half of students said that they wanted to do more practical work in science lessons and three quarters of single science pupils said the same.

However, the report also revealed that 22 per cent of pupils do not understand the purpose of the practical work they have carried out and that they “simply just follow instructions”.

The survey also showed that less than half reported doing “hands-on” practical work at least once a fortnight and young people from deprived areas did less practical work than people from less deprived places.

The charity’s head of education and learning, Hilary Leever, commented on the findings: “Science is an inherently practical subject – young people shouldn’t just be learning scientific facts they should be learning how to experiment.

"The Science Education Tracker provides new insights into practical science in schools. It shows how motivating young people find practical work and that most of them want to do more.

She added: “However, it also reveals alarming variations in frequency and type of practical science. We must address these inequalities.”