Learning lessons from Finland and Estonia

Science education in UK schools fares poorly in international comparison league tables. According to the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2012 report,¹ the United Kingdom ranked 20th for student performance in science. The highest European performers were Finland and Estonia at 5th and 6th, respectively.

Like many science teachers in the UK, I was interested by the latest PISA results and questioned why British pupils are apparently behind in their learning of science compared to their peers in many other countries. In order to gain a better understanding of science education abroad, I applied for a Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Travelling Fellowship.² In May 2014 I had the privilege to travel to both Finland and Estonia where I visited four schools over a one month period – the Helsinki School of Natural Sciences, Kulosaari Secondary School, Tallinn Reaalkool and Viimsi School.

My main objective during my visit was to gain an understanding of the Finnish and Estonian education systems with a particular focus on science education. In each school I spent time observing science lessons as well as discussing issues with science teachers and pupils.