Why is scientific literacy a curriculum aim in science?
All young people – whether they seek to pursue science to advanced levels or not – must study science until they are 16 as part of the national curriculum. Yet, even at a time when scientific issues like climate change, genetics and nuclear technology are so prominent in public debate, many students fail to value school science or see its significance to their lives. Over recent years, fewer and fewer students have chosen to pursue physical sciences at advanced levels – even though the overall number of pupils taking A-levels has risen. Many senior scientists, universities and representatives of British industry have warned that this situation poses a significant risk to our country’s future as a centre of scientific excellence. So the new GCSEs have been to designed to give all students a science education that is both accessible and valuable while providing the potential scientists of the future with a stimulating and engaging introduction to the major science disciplines.
