Science Standards

An international league table today revealed that science standards in primary schools in England are slipping.

Out of 50 countries, England has dropped from 7th to 15th in tests of 10 year olds around the world. The results of 14 year olds have fallen also, with England 9th in the league tables.

Reasons cited for the decline have included suggestions of poor teaching, and the scrapping of the national curriculum tests, and have consequently left the Department of Education citing the slipping of standards a “major concern”.

Whilst it has been accepted that there is indeed a marked correlation between standards in science and the stopping of science testing at 11, many are debating the necessity of a return.

Reading Standards

It is better news however, when it comes to reading, with England 11th out of 45 countries.  Although it is worth bearing in mind that there is still a large gulf between the country’s most competent readers, and those struggling.

Of the widening gulf, the Department of Education has said “England’s top performers are at the levels of the best 10-year-olds in the world,” said the Department for Education (DfE). “But the percentage of weak readers remains high and this long-term problem is what is holding England back from greater improvement.”

Our thoughts….

Whilst many believe that reintroducing external testing is the way to ensure standards are met, it is unlikely that testing in science is likely to be reintroduced, and therefore teaching assessment may at least for the meantime remain a way of acquiring standards.

To aid teaching we have a range of primary science resources, which through books, posters and quizzes help to introduce scientific topics in a fun and engaging manner.

We’d love to know from any teachers about their thoughts on this latest research, and any strategies you are using to drive up standards in science in your classroom!

Research Sources:

  • Trends in International Mathematics & Science Study
  • Progress in International Reading Literacy Study

Image Credit:

Kingsway School @ Flickr