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18/06/15 13:20

Supporting STEM teaching

£930,000 for teachers delivering science and technology subjects.

A grant to support the development of teachers delivering science and technology subjects has been awarded by the Scottish Government.

The investment of £930,000 will support the Scottish Schools Education Research Centre’s work to deliver programmes of learning for primary and secondary teachers and technicians.

At a visit to St Benedict’s Primary RC School in Glasgow, Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland’s Languages Dr Alasdair Allan said:

“There continues to be a good uptake of science and maths qualifications at school, and pass rates are strong. But we want to do more. We want all young people to get a good STEM education that will support their participation in the modern economy as well as in modern society and good teaching is critical to that. That’s why we are proud to support the professional development of teachers.

“The Scottish Schools Education Research Centre has a proven track record of delivering effective high quality training opportunities to both primary teachers and secondary science specialists and I am delighted to confirm the Scottish Government’s support for the Centre.

“Their work will play an important role in instilling better STEM learning and teaching across the curriculum, and contribute to our work in improving attainment across Scotland.”

Fred Young, Scottish Schools Education Research Centre Chief Executive, said:

“Planning for the next round of courses is well under way. We are working with our partners to develop programmes to support Curriculum for Excellence and the Scottish Government’s objectives on raising attainment and closing the attainment gap through an increase in focus on schools, especially within the primary sector, which have a high proportion of pupils from areas of socio-economic need. The secondary programme will be slanted towards Nationals 4 and 5, Higher and Advanced Higher this time.

“We have looked carefully at the recommendations made in ‘Teaching Scotland’s Future’ along with the Impact Reports on Science and the Technologies produced by Education Scotland and as a consequence, many of our courses are being designed to make an impact at local level by explicitly fostering a culture of mentoring.”

Notes to editors

Working with a wide variety of partners, SSERC will provide a range of professional development courses for secondary teachers, student teachers, primary teachers and school technicians that will contribute to the Scottish Governments objectives on raising attainment and closing the attainment gap.

SSERC’s activities and services in support of science education include:

  • health and safety advice
  • professional development programmes for curriculum leaders, teachers and technicians
  • guidance on experiments and practical work
  • recommendations on equipment & design of specialist accommodation
  • apparatus testing for safety, performance & conformance with standards
  • radiation protection advisory services