Response to Science and Mathematics Education for the 21st Century

The Institute of Physics (IOP) has today responded to Science and Mathematics Education for the 21st Century, an independent report on the future of science and maths education, compiled by the Science and Learning Expert Group and chaired by Sir Mark Walport, director of the Wellcome Trust.

Professor Peter Main, director of education and science at IOP, said: “The report correctly stresses the need for improved assessment system, which encourages teachers to give their students authentic experiences of physics and allows the students to demonstrate their ability in exams.

“This will include in-depth examination questions, more maths in the curriculum and a reduction in the overall assessment burden.  As the report says, the key is ensuring that the qualifications are fit for purpose, which is to prepare students for further study.

“The incorporation of more maths into the curriculum component is particularly relevant for physics.  University physics and engineering departments across the country would like to see a mathematically more sophisticated physics A-level.  To make a comparison, a university French department would not accept an undergraduate French student with only a deep appreciation of Gallic culture but no linguistic ability.  Maths is the language of science and physics requires students to have a solid grasp of it.

“We have long held concerns about the supply of specialist physics teachers; however, in addition to the initiatives such as Teach First, mentioned in the report, we believe that there is a great deal more that can be done to recruit to conventional PGCE courses.

“We agree strongly with the recommendation for increased subject-specific professional development for teachers but, currently there are a number of barriers that will need to be removed before that can become the norm. In particular, teachers need some incentive or professional requirement.

“We welcome the suggestion that expert groups be established to review curriculum and assessment and to play an important role within the awarding organisations. Currently, there are too many drivers forcing standards in the wrong direction and this would be a long overdue step in the other direction.”

Full copies of the report will be available to download at http://www.bis.gov.uk/science-and-mathematics-education-for-the-21st-century.