Education policy UK: Royal Society Vision for Science and Mathematics Education
The Royal Society has produced a Vision for Science and Mathematics Education (June 2014), laying out a future for the UK. Key aspects of the vision are:
- All young people study mathematics and science up to the age of 18 - it is recommended that a broad curriculum for all studying to 18 should include science and maths.
- Curricula and their assessment are stabilised and support excellent teaching and learning - curriculum and assessment in the UK should be stabilised to provide quality and coherence.
- Teachers have high professional status and there is a strong supply of science and mathematics specialists - widen access to teaching and expand the role of STEM professionals in recognising professionalism in teaching
- Students understand the significance of STEM through better careers awareness and guidance - investment in large-scale, national programmes for engagement.
- The success of students, teachers and education systems is judged through appropriate and broadly based assessment and accountability measures - increased role of teacher assessment of students in qualifications, broader school assessment measures that reflect high quality STEM education.
- Education policy and practice are better informed by evidence - better collaboration and communication between education researchers, scientists and mathematicians, teaching professionals, policy-makers and the public.