Science take-up in schools: Next challenge is to improve results

A report by The UK Royal Society has found almost twice as many students aged between 16 and 19 studied science in Scotland than England or Wales. The report also found a higher proportion of students in Scotland took science subjects in combination with maths.

The next challenge is to combine this improved take-up with improved results.

Liz Smith MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education & Lifelong Learning, said:

"I am pleased to hear that there are healthy numbers taking science subjects in Scotland's schools. This is a reflection of the economic need to have top quality science graduates and also the greater breadth of the Scottish Curriculum as opposed to A-Level.

"However, we must not confuse take-up with results. The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), which is an international assessment of student attainment in reading, maths and science at age fifteen, published its latest findings in December 2010.

"It showed that a generation of Scottish school children have been let down by an education system which does not meet the needs of today. The sad but simple truth is that we are falling down the league tables – more countries are now rated above us in key areas than before, even allowing for 'new entrants' to the tables. [see note 1]

"Despite the best efforts of our teachers, too many boys and girls are leaving Primary school unable to read, write or do sums properly. The fault lies in an education system which is over centralised and bureaucratic.

"Most tellingly, those countries outside the OECD who perform better than us, such as Singapore, have education systems where the basics are taught and tested in early years and where head teachers are given much more freedom to run their schools.

"The SNP Government is clutching at straws looking for a good news story. Their aspiration of mediocrity is a disgrace. Our children deserve better and our country must do better. That is why Scottish Conservatives will continue to campaign for more freedom for our schools, more emphasis on the three Rs and testing of all primary school children to make sure that they can cope with the basics of all learning – reading, writing and adding up."

1) Para 4.5 of the PISA report

http://www.pisa.oecd.org/document/61/0,3746,en_32252351_32235731_46567613_1_1_1_1,00.html

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