A brighter future for science in schools
Jointly issued with the Department for Education and Skills
Plans for an innovative national network of science learning centres will be announced today (10/12) by Education and Skills Secretary Charles Clarke and Wellcome Trust Director, Mike Dexter, at Greycoats School in Westminster, London.
The Department for Education and Skills and the Wellcome Trust have come together to deliver their joint vision of excellence in science teaching, and will invest more than £50 million over the next 10 years.
The learning centres will provide high quality continuing professional development for teachers and technicians in a move beyond the traditional 'test tube and text book' approach to science lessons.
Speaking at the school, Charles Clarke said:
"It is essential that we build a society in which the impact of science is understood and appreciated by young people. To do this we must enhance teachers' skills to capture the excitement of science and make it relevant to pupils of all ages and abilities."
"By offering high quality continuing professional development to both teachers and technicians, we will not only boost the morale and attainment levels of the profession, but will also enthuse young people into staying on to study science post-16."
"I look forward to working closely with the Wellcome Trust on achieving these goals."
Dr Mike Dexter said:
"I think it is really important for teachers to have an opportunity to find out what's new and exciting in their field, especially for science where the pace of scientific discovery is so fast."
"We all agree that teachers are important role models and a source of inspiration for the subjects they teach. By giving science teachers the chance to update their knowledge and skills, they will be able to pass on enthusiasm, new knowledge and fresh ideas to pupils. I hope that many of those pupils will then go on to follow a career in science, a career which I have found fascinating and compelling."
This Press Notice applies to England.
1. A national network for science learning centres will consist of one national centre and up to nine regional centres that will deliver continuing professional development to science teachers and science technicians.
2. Expressions of Interest are invited from organizations that share our commitment to providing science teachers and science technicians with access to training and continuing professional development at every stage in their careers.
3. Organizations interested in establishing and operating either the national centre or one or more of the regional centres should download the Word documents entitled 'Guidance for Applicants' and 'Expression of Interest Form' from the Department's website, www.dfes.gov.uk/sciencecpd or the Wellcome Trust's website, wellcome.org by clicking on the icon marked 'A National Network of Science Learning Centres'.
4. Expression of Interest Forms are to be received by noon on 7 February 2003. Details of the full application process and how to apply are contained in the Word documents. Final decisions are expected in October 2003.
5. It is expected that contracts and agreements to develop and implement the centres will be signed in late 2003 and that the centres would be operational in 2004/2005
6. The Wellcome Trust is an independent research-funding charity whose mission is to foster and promote research with the aim of improving human and animal health. Allied to this is a commitment to stimulate informed public dialogue about the achievements and implications of biomedical science, through a range of initiatives for various groups in society, including students and their teachers.