Thematic report |
Science in key stages 2 and 3 - June 2013
The report has a context in the Welsh Government’s vision for scientific research, science teaching and the commercialisation of research set out in the Welsh Government document ‘Science for Wales – A strategic agenda for science and innovation in Wales’.This report also provides evidence for the Welsh Government in relation to a recommendation from the Enterprise and Learning Committee’s report on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (January 2011): ‘We recommend that the Welsh Assembly Government should carry out a study of why science in primary schools may be experiencing a decline and should explore with Estyn how best to assess science performance in the future.’
Recommendations
Primary and secondary schools should:
- provide challenging science opportunities to stretch all pupils, particularly the more able, and eliminate tasks that are too easy;
- provide more opportunities for pupils to pursue their own scientific interests;
- ensure that assessment and marking practices provide pupils with meaningful advice on how to improve their scientific understanding and skills; and
- work with other schools to share effective approaches to teaching and assessing science.
In addition, primary schools should:
- make sure that pupils are taught science for at least two hours a week; and
- provide training for teachers with weak science subject knowledge.
In addition, secondary schools should:
- plan to use a wider range of numeracy skills in science lessons.
Local authorities should:
- provide more professional development, support and advice to schools on science teaching and learning; and
- support schools to share best practice in science education.
The Welsh Government should:
- improve the reliability and validity of teacher assessment by reviewing assessment criteria and introducing an element of external moderation; and
- review the National Curriculum subject orders for science to include essential content.