Putting science education on the Welsh Assembly's agenda

On 20 May, we held our annual Science and the Assembly event in Cardiff for the tenth time, bringing together the Welsh scientific and political communities. The theme this year was science education in Wales, and those attending had the chance to learn and talk about the existing state of science education in Wales and what we can do to support it.

Highs and lows

“The overall picture for science education and research in Wales has highs and lows,” said RSC President Lesley Yellowlees. “Recent reports depict a disappointing picture of educational performance in the sciences in Wales, with results below the UK average. They also seem to show a lack of teachers with specialist subject knowledge. Recent figures also indicate a decrease in the number of girls studying the sciences at A-level.”

Influencing the future together

Commenting on the event, RSC Chief Executive Robert Parker added: “For me, the take-home message is that, although Wales still faces many challenges in science education, if we continue to share, and collaborate and build on our existing successes and partnerships, we will be able to influence a more positive future for science education in Wales.”