The challenges of multi-course chemistry teaching

By 2021-08-19T06:00:00

An illustration of crossing paths

Source: © Andrea Ebert/Ikon Images

Teaching more than one course in a single class is commonplace for many teachers in Scotland and multi-course teaching of chemistry can be particularly complex

Almost half of chemistry teachers in Scotland must balance the needs of pupils working towards different courses within the same class. The growing prevalence of multi-course teaching has led to teachers, unions and professional organisations all expressing concerns, particularly for science subjects. For example, for chemistry, it’s not unusual to teach N4 and N5 students in one class, or with Higher students. This article brings together insights from chemistry teachers as well as the Learned Societies Group on Scottish STEM Education, the Royal Society of Chemistry and Education Scotland.

Thanks for using Education in Chemistry. You can view one Education in Chemistry article per month as a visitor. 

A photograph of a teacher standing in a white lab coat, speaking with a class of children in a laboratory, is superimposed on a colourful background. Text reads "Teach Chemistry means support for classroom and staff room".

Register for Teach Chemistry for free, unlimited access

Registration is open to all teachers and technicians at secondary schools, colleges and teacher training institutions in the UK and Ireland.

Get all this, plus much more:

  • unlimited access to resources, core practical videos and Education in Chemistry articles
  • teacher well-being toolkit, personal development resources and online assessments
  • applications for funding to support your lessons

Set up your Teach Chemistry account

Already a Teach Chemistry member? Sign in now.

Not eligible for Teach Chemistry? Sign up for a personal account instead, or you can also access all our resources with Royal Society of Chemistry membership.