The challenges of multi-course chemistry teaching

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.