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Science education
01/03/2010
An action plan to increase the focus on science and engineering in Scottish education and build understanding of its importance has been launched.
Science and Engineering 21 puts in place a plan of action to make Scotland's science education fit for the 21st Century.
It sets out changes needed to ensure that:
- Teacher's capacity and expertise in science is built up
- More access to practical help for schools is made available
- Young people have an increased understanding of real life science and engineering
- More learning, training and employment opportunities are available
- The awareness of the general public of the value of scientific expertise is increased
Education Secretary Michael Russell launched the Action Plan at Balfron High School in Stirling. He said:
"Science and engineering are key to Scotland's future economic growth, therefore it's essential that our young people are supported in their science learning. Science permeates so much of modern society - from health, food and technology through to climate change and sustainability issues. We need to make this relevance clear.
"We need to make sure our teachers have the right knowledge and skills to make science education more engaging, enthusing pupils to study science and understand the impact it can have on their future employment prospects.
"As we take forward a new approach through Curriculum for Excellence, we are uniquely placed to make this happen and this Action Plan will help make these ambitions a reality.
"International studies show us that we need to do more in Scotland to motivate young people to achieve in science. This can happen if we work together - government, academia and business - to drive improvements in science education."
The Action Plan will be overseen by an advisory group, which will include representatives from both education and industry. The group will be chaired by Professor Anne Glover, Scotland's Chief Scientific Advisor. She said:
"Children are born scientists, exploring the world around them. But as they grow older too many of our young people lose that natural curiosity. I want more of them to see the relevance of science to their world, and the spectrum of careers open to them if they choose science. It's hugely important to our world-leading research base that we continue to attract our best young minds into science and engineering.
"Those young people who take a different career path also deserve to be given the skills and knowledge to make an informed decision, and to allow them to understand the science-based choices they will face as adults, from the technology they buy to the medicines they use."
Prof Gordon Hayward from the University of Strathclyde, who oversees the Engineering the Future programme, added:
"This very exciting development provides the launching platform for Scotland's future. We need young people who understand how science and engineering impact on all our lives and who will apply scientific knowledge to solve creatively the problems of the future.
"We therefore particularly welcome the strong linkages between science and its engineering applications base. This is vital for our future economic prosperity."