Inspiring, engaging and expert: the formula for world-class science and chemistry education175 minutes for chemistry
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We are currently campaigning for more specialist primary science and secondary chemistry teachers in schools across the UK.
Research shows that strong subject knowledge impacts on the effectiveness of science teaching. However, despite the benefits, there are shortages of specialist teachers across the country.
Due to the different education systems in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, our campaign is tailored to the specific needs of each of the four nations.
In England there are shortages of specialists at both secondary and primary levels; for example:
- One third of secondary school chemistry teachers do not have a chemistry degree.
- Only 8.3% of primary school teachers in England have a science degree.
In addition, existing non-specialists teaching these subjects do not have consistent access to professional development training, which would help boost their knowledge and confidence.
We are calling on the Government to increase the supply of specialists. For secondary, that means increasing the numbers of teachers who have a chemistry degree, relevant professional experience or have had intensive subject-specific training. For primary, science specialists are those with at least one science A Level, or relevant training.
More detail on the facts behind specialist teaching is available in the following report.
Help us convince the Government to take action by writing to your local MP. Download our Campaign briefing, which outlines key facts on the issue
Evidence from our networks shows it is likely that very few primary school teachers in Scotland have a science background.
This is a concern, because evidence shows that teachers are more confident and effective if they have a background in the subject they teach.
However, it is difficult to determine the exact number of primary teachers with a science background as data is not collected or published. We are therefore calling on the Scottish Government to collect and publish data on the qualifications of primary science teachers. Without this, it is difficult to address current shortages.
Download our Campaign briefing for Scotland, which outlines key facts on the issue.
Write to your MSP to ask them to take action on this issue.
In Wales, there are shortages of specialists at both secondary and primary levels:
- Only 49.8% of secondary-school chemistry teachers have a chemistry degree.
- Only 4.8% of primary school teachers have a science degree.
In addition, existing non-specialists teaching these subjects do not have consistent access to professional development training, which would help boost their knowledge and confidence.
We are calling on the Welsh Government to increase the supply of specialists. For secondary, that means increasing the numbers of teachers who have a chemistry degree, relevant professional experience or intensive subject-specific training. For primary, science specialists are those with at least one science A Level, or relevant training.
Download our Campaign briefing for Wales, which outlines key facts on the issue:
In Northern Ireland, science graduates make up only 1.5% of the primary teaching workforce. This is far below the numbers in England and Wales, where 8.3% and 4.8% of primary teachers are science graduates, respectively.
However, there is not a shortage of chemistry specialists at secondary level.
We are calling on the Northern Ireland Executive to increase the supply of primary school teachers with science degrees and science A Levels, and also to increase provision of science-specific continuing professional development (CPD).
Download our Campaign briefing for Northern Ireland, which outlines key facts on the issue.
