New research report findings
A survey of UK teachers, School report: Barriers to practical science, has found the demands of the national curriculum to be the number one blocker.
Almost 400 UK science teachers (398) took part in the survey as part of the School report series.
The survey revealed demands of the curriculum was found to be the biggest barrier to delivering a practical science (44%) followed by time constraints (37%) and student behaviour (33%). Just over a quarter, (27%) said their school did not have enough money to purchase the equipment needed for practical lessons, or they did not have enough equipment (26%).
Becca Gooch, Head of Research, EngineeringUK, said, “We know the frequency of hands-on practical science has dropped. Our Science Education Tracker research in partnership with the Royal Society highlighted this, as well as how critically vital practical science is as a motivating factor for learning science for years 7 to 9.
“Hands-on practicals help bring science to life for young people and boost interest in science as well as developing important skills. We need more young people, especially girls, choosing to continue with science and progress into engineering and technology careers. So, we need school students to have many more opportunities to get hands-on in their science lessons.”
“Hands-on practicals help bring science to life for young people and boost interest in science as well as developing important skills. We need more young people, especially girls, choosing to continue with science and progress into engineering and technology careers. So, we need school students to have many more opportunities to get hands-on in their science lessons.”
— Becca Gooch, Head of Research, EngineeringUK
