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New CPD partnership to support school science

By Steve Castle posted 13-06-2022 10:28

  

STEM Learning has partnered with the Association for Science Education and Ogden Trust to help schools deliver great science education, with advice and support from Institute of Physics, Primary Science Teaching Trust, Royal Society of Biology and Royal Society of Chemistry.

The Science CPD Partnership will improve teachers’ access to career-long, science-specific Continuing Professional Development (CPD), building on the success of Science Learning Partnerships, Stimulating Physics Network and National STEM Learning Centre.

Government funding will ensure this support is affordable, with free or inexpensive support available locally and online plus generous bursaries to enable schools to release teachers for career-defining, immersive, residential CPD at the National STEM Learning Centre in York. 

The need for excellent science education is greater than ever, preparing young people for a rapidly changing world. Science opens up opportunities for great jobs in innovative industries, making healthy choices and tackling global challenges such as climate change.

As the pace of scientific research accelerates, science CPD boosts the confidence of teachers, helping them keep up with their rapidly changing subject. Evidence shows that CPD improves student outcomes by allowing teachers to enhance and refine their practice – and makes it more likely that teachers will continue in the profession.  

The Science CPD Partnership will reduce the disadvantage gap and improve the performance of under-represented groups in science at GCSE and A level, increase student progression to A level science (particularly in physics), boost the confidence of all science teachers and increase science teacher retention.

Sir Michael Griffiths, chair of STEM Learning’s Strategic Advisory Group, said: “This announcement reinforces our mission to drive school improvement and pupil outcomes through great science education.

“Science is absolutely fundamental in empowering young people, creating opportunities and ultimately changing lives.”

Read an independent evaluation of STEM Learning’s Science CPD and how this CPD increases student attainment and progression, as well as increasing teacher retention and wellbeing, generating over £440 million worth of social value.

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