Recent Press Releases
Science Community welcomes latest decisions in the development of the Science Diploma
Institute of Physics Press Release
Thu, 16 April 2009
SCORE (Science Community Partnership Representing Education), the body representing the UK’s foremost science education organisations, including the Institute of Physics (IOP), welcomes the decision to delay the introduction of the Science Diploma at Level 3. SCORE works to increase the numbers of students studying the sciences at 16-19 and believes that a Diploma in the sciences could contribute to this goal. The extended development period will enable the key issues and concerns to be addressed in consultation with teachers, employers and Higher Education.
Sir Alan Wilson, the Chair of SCORE, said, “The decision to delay for a year the launch of the Science Diploma at Level 3 is one that we have been pressing for over a considerable period of time and we are delighted to see Government recognise the need for further work. It is essential that this time is now used to address a number of key issues to ensure that the Science Diploma becomes a meaningful qualification that is fit for purpose.”
SCORE has engaged with SEMTA and the Science Diploma Development Panel (DDP) as they have worked on the development of the Science Diploma over the past nine months. During this time, SCORE has raised a number of important matters with the DDP, Secretary of State and others. In particular, SCORE is concerned that the diploma is being developed without a clear understanding of its vision and purpose.
As the Science Diploma development continues, SCORE recommends that the DDP considers the following areas:
- how teaching, learning and assessment within the Science Diploma can be focussed towards applied sciences
- the development of customised qualifications to supplement the principal learning of the diploma to prepare students for opportunities in the sciences within both Higher Education and employment
- the provision of teacher training and support.
Sir Alan Wilson continued, “We hope that the Department for Children, Schools and Families will continue to engage with the science community and work together with us to develop a viable qualification.”
Notes to editors:
SCORE
SCORE, a partnership of scientific learned societies, science teachers and other key science organisations was founded in 2006 by the Association for Science Education, the Biosciences Federation, the Institute of Biology, the Institute of Physics, the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Royal Society and the Science Council.
The Royal Society
The Royal Society is an independent academy promoting the natural and applied sciences. Founded in 1660, the Society has three roles, as the UK academy of science, as a learned Society, and as a funding agency. It responds to individual demand with selection by merit, not by field. As we prepare for our 350th anniversary in 2010, we are working to achieve five strategic priorities, to:
- Invest in future scientific leaders and in innovation
- Influence policymaking with the best scientific advice
- Invigorate science and mathematics education
- Increase access to the best science internationally
- Inspire an interest in the joy, wonder and excitement of scientific discovery
Institute of Physics
The Institute of Physics is a scientific charity devoted to increasing the practice, understanding and application of physics. It has a worldwide membership of more than 36 000 and is a leading communicator of physics-related science to all audiences, from specialists through to government and the general public. Its publishing company, IOP Publishing, is a world leader in scientific publishing and the electronic dissemination of physics. Go to http://www.iop.org/.
Royal Society of Chemistry
The Royal Society of Chemistry is the UK Professional Body for chemical scientists and an international Learned Society for the chemical sciences with some 46,000 members worldwide. It is a major international publisher of chemical information, supports the teaching of the chemical sciences at all levels and is a leader in bringing science to the public.
Institute of Biology
The Institute of Biology is the professional and charitable body charged by Royal Charter to further the study and application of the UK’s biology and allied biosciences. It has 13,500 members and over 50 specialist learned Affiliated Societies
Biosciences Federation
The Biosciences Federation is a single authority representing the UK’s biological expertise, providing independent opinion to inform public policy and promoting the advancement of the biosciences.
Association for Science Education
The Association for Science Education (ASE) is the largest subject association in the UK with a membership which includes teachers, technicians and others involved in science education. The Association plays a significant role in promoting excellence in teaching and learning of science in schools and colleges. Working closely with the science professional bodies, industry and business, ASE provides a UK-wide network bringing together individuals and organisations to share good ideas and tackle challenges in science teaching, develop resources and foster high quality Continuing Professional Development. Further details of the ASE and its regional, national and international activities can be found at its website http://www.ase.org.uk/
Science Council
The Science Council is a representative membership body for professional and learned organisations across the spectrum of science and its applications and it aims to promote the members’ collective knowledge, resources and achievements. Membership comprises the core subject societies of physics, biology chemistry and mathematics, as well as specialist discipline institutes and professional organisations. Through its member bodies the Science Council now represents some 400,000 practicing scientists in academia, the public sector, industry and commerce who are working across all areas of science: in health, engineering, technology and the environment.
Contact
For further information contact:
Alice Henchley
Press and Public Relations
The Royal Society, London
Tel: 020 7451 2514/2510
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