Report to SCORE: Science teacher education, special focus on biology

Cumbria, University of (2010) Report to SCORE: Science teacher education, special focus on biology. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Arguably biology has enjoyed a healthy uptake over the years both within compulsory and higher education. When considering Initial Teacher Education, despite a reported decrease in biology applicants onto science PGCE courses between 2001 and 2006 in England and Wales, a healthy increase in acceptances onto such courses was evident across the devolved nations during that time. Scotland in particular almost doubled their figures during this period (The Royal Society, 2007). Although the picture remains buoyant, concern exists regarding the medium to long-term supply of quality biology teachers. Drayston (2009) emphasised the need to enthuse and motivate pupils towards the sciences from the GCSE years; to achieve this a well qualified, enthusiastic and motivated teaching staff needs to be in place. This paper reports on observations regarding the supply of specialist science teachers within the forthcoming years. These observations are substantiated through a small scale scoping survey as preliminary research to a longitudinal study. This scoping survey has been commissioned by SCORE and involves the collection and processing of data gained from questionnaires and email interviews designed to investigate the current context of Science Education and how this may influence the motivations and intended exit routes of science trainees.

Item Type:	Report
Departments:	Professional Services > Research Office & Graduate School (ROGS)
Additional Information:	This small-scale survey conducted by the University of Cumbria found that the shortage of physics and chemistry teachers, and the relative surfeit of biology graduates, has led to biology graduates teaching physics and chemistry. SCORE is a partnership of science organisations. It aims to improve science education in schools and colleges in England by supporting the development and implementation of effective education policy.
Depositing User:	Anna Lupton
Date Deposited:	16 Feb 2017 10:32
Last Modified:	12 Jan 2024 09:31
URI:	https://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/2690

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