Dear colleague,
On May 28th, the Royal Society of Edinburgh is hosting the launch of the Learned Societies’ Group on Scottish Science Education. I think it would be good if a number of Computing teachers could attend the meeting and raise the profile of the subject. It’s certainly an illustrious panel and promises to make for an interesting event.
If you’d like to attend, email events@royalsoced.org.uk
Regards,
Jeremy
You may be aware that the learned scientific societies active in Scotland have established a Learned Societies’ Group on Scottish science education. The group comprises representatives from the Association of Science Education, the British Computer Society, the Institute of Physics, the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Royal Society of Edinburgh, the Scottish Schools Education Research Centre (SSERC), the Society of Biology and it has established a connection with the Science and Engineering Education Advisory Group (SEEAG).
While the organisations are themselves individually active in this area, there is a belief that a formal collaborative grouping which could identify, discuss and take action on common issues concerning the provision of science education in schools has a significant contribution to make. The group will engage with and provide advice to policy makers in relation to the major reforms underway in Scottish school education.
A launch event is being held at the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE), 22-26 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2PQ on Monday 28 May from 5.30 p.m. and we hope you will be able to join us. The event is free to attend but we ask that people confirm their attendance by emailing events@royalsoced.org.uk (or by phoning 0131 240 2780) with their name and contact details so that we can keep track of numbers.
This will be an opportunity to discuss the findings of the recent report from SEEAG on STEM education and culture (http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/02/4589) which is very relevant to the issues that our group will be considering. It will also be a timely opportunity to consider the continuing implementation of Curriculum for Excellence, the development of the new national qualifications and the diversity of practice implied by these reforms that have implications for the delivery of science education in schools.
The planned programme is as follows:
5.30 p.m.: Registration. (Tea and coffee will be available on arrival)
6 p.m.: Opening remarks and presentations from:
Professor Sally Brown OBE FRSE, Chair of the Learned Societies’ Group on Scottish Science Education
Professor Muffy Calder OBE FRSE, Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland
Dr Ian Wall FRICS HonFRIAS, Chair of the Science and Engineering Education Advisory Group
This will be followed by a panel Q&A discussion session which will form the focus of the evening. Professor Sally Brown will chair the discussion. Those named above will be joined by the following for the panel discussion.
Dr Janet Brown FRSE, Chief Executive of SQA
Professor Graham Donaldson CB, Leader of the Review of Teacher Education in Scotland
Marie McAdam, HMI National Specialist in science, Education Scotland
Stephen Wright, Deans Community High School
The event will close by around 7.45 p.m.
Even if you are unable to attend we would welcome your written questions for the panel session although we cannot guarantee that your questions will be asked.
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