A brighter future for science in schools - Clarke: Commentators quotes

Becky Parker, former Head of Science at Simon Langton Girls School, Canterbury, said:
"I have a real passion for physics and the reason I went into teaching was to inspire others to enjoy science and see what a wonderful subject it is. Often teachers don't get much of a chance to immerse themselves in their subjects for there are 101 different other strings being pulled. Any initiative which aims to deliver high quality training in science is a refreshing development and will be welcomed wholeheartedly by teachers."

Dr Derek Bell, Chief Executive of the Association for Science Education, said:
"As the impact of scientific developments on our lives increases, science as a core element in the education of all our pupils becomes more and more important."

"Science teaching is an exciting and challenging career and this initiative will make a significant contribution in refreshing the enthusiasm of our teachers to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing subject and to inspire their pupils."

"This is an exciting initiative which gives us the opportunity of enhancing and enriching the quality of teaching and learning in science through high quality professional development. By working together, as teachers, technicians and scientists, we can make a difference in engaging our young people in the excitement, creativity, intellectual stimulation and ethical issues of science."

Sir John Sulston, Nobel Prize winning scientist and former Director of the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, said:
"Life-long learning for teachers is obviously of the first importance in maintaining and updating education for children. I particularly applaud this DfES/WT scheme because it is providing high quality materials and advice without any distortion by commercial agendas."