CBI applauds funding boost for science
The CBI has welcomed the government’s announcement that science and maths teaching in schools is to receive £140 million of investment.
The investment is part of a strategy to educate the next generation of scientists and mathematicians, and to help recruit and train more science and maths teachers.
The £140 million package, due to be invested over the next three years, is more than double the amount spent between 2005 and 2008, and is aimed at improving GCSE results as well as boosting the numbers of pupils studying science subjects at A-level.
Commenting on the announcement, the CBI’s Director of Human Resources policy, Susan Anderson said: “This is very welcome investment which should lead to more specialist science teachers who can be inspirational, confident and enthusiastic about their subject. That is crucial if we are to raise young people’s interest and attainment in science, technology, engineering and maths subjects and if the UK is to stay a leading world economy, able to compete with the emerging economic powerhouses of China and India.”
Ms Anderson added: “Enabling pupils to take Triple Science is also vital, as this prepares students better for study at A Level and beyond than the stripped-down Double Science currently studied by most. The CBI wants as many young people to have this opportunity - the top 40 per cent of 14-year-olds should automatically be opted into separate physics, chemistry and biology GCSEs.
“But high quality careers advice is also key and we believe that a further £120m of investment in one-to-one careers advice at ages 14, 16 and 18 is vital to help challenge young people’s misperceptions about science and engineering.”
Tax and Financial Planning Specialist of the Year 2008
