Read the full guidance report
Recommendations poster
Overview
What this guidance report covers
This guidance report is relevant to the teaching of science at Key Stages 3 and 4. We have focused on the seven areas where the evidence provides the strongest steer about how to enhance the teaching of science to pupils in this age group and have provided examples of how to apply the recommendations in practice. Each recommendation provides a ‘First stop for further reading’ for teachers who want to find out more about the evidence underpinning the recommendations. In addition to the seven areas, we provide guidance on the overarching theme of teaching for engagement, something which is particularly important for science education.
The attainment gap in science may not be as well-documented as the gap in English and maths, but it is just as pervasive. Our research has shown that disadvantaged pupils start to fall behind in science in Key Stage 1; the gap only gets wider throughout primary and secondary school and on to A-level.
Helping schools to use evidence and to understand better the most effective ways to improve results is the best way to tackle this country’s stark science attainment gap.
This is why we’ve produced this guidance report. It offers seven practical evidence-based recommendations—that are relevant to all pupils, but particularly to those struggling with science.