21 years of the science National Curriculum
21 July 2010
Hosted by Professor Derek Bell, Head of Education at the Wellcome Trust, and Sir John Holman, director of the National Science Learning Centre, the event offers the opportunity to review the impacts of the science National Curriculum and consider its strengths.
With a 'then-now-and-beyond' approach, guests will be invited to reflect on the science National Curriculum's initial development, the current situation and what a future science curriculum framework might look like to ensure success and engagement for all young people.
Derek Bell explains: "Creating a successful science National Curriculum, that teachers find supportive and young people find relevant, is critical for ensuring an inspiring and engaging science education. The Wellcome Trust, as a leader in science education, wants to foster debate and discussion on this important issue, at a time when the new government is planning its proposals to revise the curriculum."
Chair of the original National Curriculum science working group, Professor Jeff Thompson will kick off the proceedings, offering a historical perspective on why the National Curriculum was set up and what the original principles were.
Other speakers include Professor Wynne Harlen, who was also a member of the original working group, and Professor Jonathan Osborne of Stanford University, co-author of the 'Beyond 2000' report.
The aim is to identify key messages that should inform the next stage in the life of the science National Curriculum and a short report will be published in the autumn to outline the discussions and conclusions reached during the event.
Image: Students in a school science practical. Credit: Wellcome Images
