Education Secretary, Kirsty Williams, will officially launch Wales’ new science and technology network today at Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhondda.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
The network for excellence will target the improvement of teachers' skills in science and technology and improve pupils' experience of the subjects while they are at school.
More than £4 million is being invested through the network which will play a key role in the Welsh Government’s national mission to raise standards in schools through education reform.
The network involves schools, colleges, universities and the four regional education consortia working together to improve the teaching and learning of science and technology in Wales.
The new network will:
- draw together cutting edge knowledge for teaching practice in science and technology for 3 to 18 year olds.
- co-ordinate the development and delivery of recognised science and technology professional development for teachers, based on global and local evidence of what works.
- improve pupils' experiences of science and technology in schools across Wales.
- enable schools to work together to develop courses, teaching resources and class-based research.
Kirsty Williams said:
“The new science and technology network will play a crucial role in our national mission to raise standards, reduce the attainment gap and deliver an education system that is a source of national pride and confidence.
“The PISA results were clear that we must improve the teaching of science in our schools. With new qualifications and the shift away from Science BTEC, we are confident that the new network will play a key role in driving up standards in the classroom.
“This new network will bring together higher education, colleges, regional education consortia and lead schools, capturing the best knowledge, expertise and experience for the benefit of our young people.”
Chair of the national network, Prof Tom Crick, said:
“I am delighted to Chair the science and technology network for excellence. It provides the framework for universities and other key stakeholders to work with regional consortia and practitioners to ensure we embrace and adopt research informed and evidence-based practice from across Wales and internationally in support of Wales’ exciting education reforms.”