Science and mathematics are key to the UK’s long-term economic prosperity and people’s well-being. Despite much to celebrate, deep-rooted problems in UK schools and colleges mean some young people are not getting the opportunities they deserve. More can and should be done to enable the recruitment and retention of good teachers, supporting a socially equitable curriculum encouraging those with talent to achieve their potential, and providing young people with an accurate and engaging experience of mathematics and the sciences benefiting themselves and the world around them.
We will:
- Strengthen the base of robust research on issues in science and mathematics education by awarding Education Research Fellowships to excellent individuals.
- Provide independent, expert and influential advice to policymakers on improving science and maths education in schools and colleges through the development of a Royal Society Education Policy Unit.
- Amplify the positive impact of the science and mathematics communities on education by taking a pro-active role in partnership working, specifically:
- Enhance the influence of the Advisory Committee on Mathematics Education (ACME), particularly at higher strategic levels.
- Increase the impact of the SCORE partnership by conducting collaborative projects, making joint statements and stimulating debate among the science community.
- Develop our programme of activities for schools and colleges:
- Support our researchers in engaging with schools, and linking more scientists and engineers with schools through our Partnership Grants scheme.
- Raise the profile of cutting-edge science with teenagers through our Summer Science Exhibition.
- Challenge young people’s notions about science and scientists through a series of innovative events during our 350th anniversary year.