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£140 million boost for science and maths teaching
Schools Minister, Jim Knight, has outlined a £140 million strategy to educate the next generation of scientists and mathematicians and to help recruit and train more science and maths teachers.
The Government wants the best teachers to increase the number of pupils opting for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects in order to follow a related career, which will help the UK to compete in the global economy. It also wants to ensure that lessons are more exciting and lively for budding scientists whilst maintaining academic rigour.
Talking about the strategy, Jim Knight said: “Britain has a great tradition for producing world class scientists and engineers and I want not only to maintain but enhance that……We want more young people studying science and maths A levels, that is why we are investing more than ever in these important subjects.”
The £140 million package over the next three years is more than double the amount spent between 2005 and 2008, underlining the Government’s commitment. The package includes:
£31 million for recruitment and retention including £11.4 million so that teachers can retrain to become maths, physics and chemistry specialists – every teacher who retrains will receive a financial incentive of £5000
£50 million for continuous professional development including: £18 million to fund the regional science learning centres plus continued funding for the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics, and £4.5 million for schools to encourage them to release teachers for professional development at our science learning centres
£34 million to help boost the number of young people studying science
£9 million to improve pupils’ learning experience through enhancement and enrichment activities including doubling the number of science and engineering clubs in schools.
Talking about the Strategy, John Holman, Director, National Science Learning Centre, said: “It is tremendous news that the government is investing in the continuing work of the Science Learning Centres, so they can reach even more teachers to update their science knowledge and teaching skills. This investment in science teaching is an investment in young people and in the country’s economic future.”
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