The return of the prodigal sciences
Endpoint: Keith Taber has the last word
The recent UK Government budget stated: 'From 2008, every pupil achieving level 6 in KS3 science will be entitled to study separate physics, chemistry and biology GCSEs'.1 This apparently modest pledge would represent a significant shift in the way schools organise science teaching, and for how the country prepares graduates to enter the teaching profession.
What's in a name?
Since the introduction of the English National Curriculum (NC) 17 years ago, 'chemistry' has not been an official school subject. This has meant that graduates do not prepare to become 'chemistry teachers' but instead opt for the official school subject 'science'. Although many trainee science teachers do have a recognised specialism, all new science teachers are required to show that they can teach all the sciences, at least at KS3, if they are to be awarded Qualified Teacher Status.
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