maintainingcuriosity.docVIP

Maintaining curiosity A survey into science education in schools The report sets out the findings of a new survey of science in 91 primary and 89 secondary schools, which was carried out between 2010 and 2013. This report will support schools in implementing the new National Curriculum. Age group: 4 to 19 Published: November 2013 Reference no: 130135  Contents Executive summary 4 Key findings 6 Recommendations 7 Part A: Science in primary schools 8 Overall effectiveness 8 Achievement 9 The quality of teaching 12 The quality of the curriculum 18 Leadership and management 20 Part B: Science in secondary schools 22 Overall effectiveness 22 Achievement 23 The quality of teaching 29 The quality of the curriculum 33 Leadership and management 37 Part C: Factors promoting achievement 39 Accurate evaluation 40 Making science interesting 40 Assessment for learning 41 Effective differentiation 42 Support for learning beyond lessons 43 More time for scientific enquiry 44 Notes 45 Further information 45 Publications by Ofsted 45 Other publications 46 Annex: Providers visited 47 Executive summary Physicians take an oath that commits them to ‘first do no harm’. The best science teachers, seen as part of this survey, set out to ‘first maintain curiosity’ in their pupils. The most successful schools visited during this survey had adopted this as a key principle in teaching science and this not only fostered enthusiasm for the subject in their pupils but helped them to fulfil their potential. We need better science education to secure a strong foundation for a successful and technological society. The new National Curriculum for 2014 sets out why we teach science in schools: ‘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