University researchers to help teach school science
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.University research scientists will be encouraged to spend a couple of days each week teaching in schools as part of a government initiative to combat the shortage of science teachers.
A pilot project involving post-doctoral researchers at Imperial College, London, and local specialist schools was being used as a model for a nationwide scheme, Estelle Morris, the Education and Skills Secretary, said yesterday.
"Our aim must be that over a five to 10-year period we work towards every single secondary school within easy reach of a university being covered by such a programme," Ms Morris said.
The Imperial College scheme, which is sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline, will supply up to 15 schools with one or two research scientists each.
A spokeswoman for Imperial College said: "They will spend half their time at Imperial and half their time in schools. The idea is that it will lead to a teaching qualification."
Ms Morris, speaking at the launch of the Government's strategy for science, which outlines how the extra £1.25bn a year announced last week is to be spent, said she wanted to see more bridges being built between schools and universities. "If we only depend on people coming into teaching through the traditional ways, we won't crack it," she said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments