Stories from April 2009
Science Community welcomes latest decisions in the development of the Science Diploma
Institute of Physics Press Release
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.”
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