Science
“A high-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all pupils should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, pupils should be encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They should be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.”
National Curriculum in England: Science Programmes of Study
Science Learning Partnerships (SLP) combine local expertise in teaching and learning in science, facilitating CPD, and providing school-to-school support.
They are led by local teaching school alliances, schools and colleges with excellence in science, higher education institutions, and other local partners with cutting-edge expertise in science. Science Learning Partnerships (SLP) offer a range of support and guidance to enhance the teaching and learning of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects. From continuous professional development (CPD) to STEM Ambassadors, all of their programmes are designed to have a positive impact on teachers, technicians and others working with young people.
North and West Yorkshire Science Learning Partnership supports Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, North Yorkshire and York.
In the news:
Science Learning Partnership
Locally delivered CPD available through the national network of 41 Science Learning Partnerships. The network also provides support to schools to increase provision of GCSE triple science. North and West Yorkshire Science Learning Partnership supports Bradford and West Yorkshire.
Stimulating Physics Network (secondary)
SPN provides tailored support to 350 Partner schools to increase rates of progression to physics A level. Eligibility: Secondary schools with low rates of progression to A level physics.
Project Enthuse
Bursaries for teachers to attend CPD at the National STEM Learning centre. ENTHUSE bursaries are available to all state-funded schools and colleges in the UK to help teachers and technicians attend world-class continuing professional development courses offered by the National STEM Learning Centre and its partners. ENTHUSE Partnerships enable groups of 6-8 schools and colleges to work collaboratively to improving teaching and learning in science. They are open to any state-funded schools or colleges in the UK, from all phases, that want to work together. ENTHUSE Placements (formerly STEM Insight) provide a unique opportunity for education staff to experience life in a modern industry or university. They are currently only open to staff from schools and colleges that are part of an ENTHUSE Partnership.
Isaac Physics
Offers support and activities in physics problem solving to teachers and students studying GCSE and A level physics by combining an online study tool with CPD events.
The Association for Science Education
The Association state:
We are a Registered Charity with a Royal Charter, owned by our members and independent of government. We seek to create a powerful voice for science education professionals in order to make a positive and influential difference to the teaching and learning of science throughout the UK and further afield. From local events to national policy, we are a professional community dedicated to supporting excellence in science teaching and learning.