Blog feedSchools Science Summit 2009
May 5th, 2009
Today saw over 200 delegates gather at Carnegie Conference Centre to develop thinking on how to progress learning and teaching of science within Curriculum for Excellence throughout Scottish schools.
Sir Andrew Cubie chaired the day. The first address was delivered by Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, who set the scene for the day and announced additional funding for teacher CPD at Glasgow and Aberdeen Universities. Her address was followed by Professor Jack Jackson, well known to many teachers involved in science education, and then Marie Dougan, Programme Director for Glow.
It was not just a day for listening. Delegates took part in 3 sessions of questions and intense consultation about what changes and developments might be progressed to augment existing good practice in:
- the selection and training of teachers of science;
- maintaining and enhancing subject and pedagogical knowledge, understanding and skills (CPD);
- improving pupils’ learning, motivation and achievement in science.
The delegates also got a chance to enjoy some scientific activities hosted by SSERC. The deliberations of the day were captured in Glow with groups of delegates responding to questions in a specially created Glow Group. This enabled Sir Andrew Cubie to see the delegates’ ideas develop in real time across all 15 groups as the day progressed.
Keith Brown, Minister for Schools and Skills closed the Summit. He emphasised the importance of everyone taking responsibility for contributing to the way forward and working in partnership. He invited delegates to consider what specific contribution they might personally make. These can be recorded on this website. A full conference report will be published by the end of May 2009.