Education Secretary, , will officially launch
Wales’ new science and technology network today at Ysgol Gyfun
Cwm Rhondda.
The network for excellence will target the improvement of
teachers' skills in science and technology and improve pupils'
experience of the subjects while they are at school.
More than £4 million is being invested through the network which
will play a key role in the Welsh Government’s national mission
to raise standards in schools through education reform.
The network involves schools, colleges, universities and the four
regional education consortia working together to improve the
teaching and learning of science and technology in
Wales.
The new network will:
- draw together cutting edge knowledge for teaching practice in
science and technology for 3 to 18 year olds.
- co-ordinate the development and delivery of recognised
science and technology professional development for teachers,
based on global and local evidence of what works.
- improve pupils' experiences of science and technology in
schools across Wales.
- enable schools to work together to develop courses, teaching
resources and class-based research.
said:
“The new science and technology network will play a crucial role
in our national mission to raise standards, reduce the attainment
gap and deliver an education system that is a source of national
pride and confidence.
“The PISA results were clear that we must improve the teaching of
science in our schools. With new qualifications and the
shift away from Science BTEC, we are confident that the new
network will play a key role in driving up standards in the
classroom.
“This new network will bring together higher education, colleges,
regional education consortia and lead schools, capturing the best
knowledge, expertise and experience for the benefit of our young
people.”
Chair of the national network, Prof Tom Crick, said:
“I am delighted to Chair the science and technology network for
excellence. It provides the framework for universities and
other key stakeholders to work with regional consortia and
practitioners to ensure we embrace and adopt research informed
and evidence-based practice from across Wales and internationally
in support of Wales’ exciting education reforms”
ENDS
Notes:
Visit: The
Education Secretary will be visiting Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhondda,
Rhondda Cynon Taf, Heol Graigwen, Porth on Thursday 7 December to
launch the Network.
The Education Secretary will meet Rhian Morgan Ellis, Becky
Holmes and the Network’s Board as they begin their work.
During the launch Science Made Simple will give an
exciting presentation to young people on ‘Music to your Ears’
with demonstrations and audience interaction, revealing the
secrets from the basics of sound to the latest in music
technology.
A key priority for Welsh Government is to ensure that children
and young people have an equal opportunity to reach the highest
standards in science and technology.
The science and technology network is a key component of the
national approach to Professional Learning and part of our
national mission to improve education standards to ensure all our
pupils have an equal opportunity to reach the highest
standards. This is particularly important for science and
technology.
Becky Holmes
– Science Made Simple
- Associate Director, Marketing and Staff
Manager
Science made simple has a passion for science and all things
associated with it. Their aim is to share their enthusiasm
by offering a selection of inspirational and educational
experiences that are tailor-made for schools, festivals, adult
audiences and the public.
Their mission is to inspire the next generation of scientists and
engineers, to engage the wider public with STEM (Science,
technology, engineering and maths) as part of popular culture,
and to strengthen connection between researchers and the
public. They do this through high quality science shows, in
a variety of formats, including live presentations,
demonstrations, theatre techniques and other artistic
means. They also develop educational materials and create
accessible science articles and media for the public.
Adam Walton BBC Radio Wales met Science Made Simple team, whilst
they were touring their show, The Experimentrics, a fusion
of physical theatre with live science demonstrations. Adam
also talked to Wendy Sadler, Science Made Simple’s founder, about
science communication and her mission to engage children and
teenagers with physics.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04q0mrr
