Open letter from the Chief Executive (28 November 2008)
Roland Jackson, the BA’s Chief Executive, today responded to reports about the results of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s “Five Decade Challenge", where around 1,300 pupils sat a two-hour exam that incorporated questions from science papers spread across the past 43 years.
He wrote:
The Royal Society of Chemistry says “the brightest pupils are not being trained in mathematical techniques” and have decried the inability of today’s students to work through multi-step questions. This is in response to observing a poor success rate in a mock science exam set to 1,300 pupils based on questions from the past 43 years.
The results highlight how important it is that students are given the opportunity to develop real research skills and appreciate the creativity of science through carrying out real research-based projects via schemes such as the CREST Awards.
This year, the best of these students nationally will be competing in the National Science Competition, which culminates at The Big Bang Fair during National Science and Engineering Week. The calibre of these students and their projects demonstrate the benefits that such schemes provide, including gained knowledge and research skills, transferable skills, and improved attitudes towards science, technology, engineering and maths.
He wrote:
The Royal Society of Chemistry says “the brightest pupils are not being trained in mathematical techniques” and have decried the inability of today’s students to work through multi-step questions. This is in response to observing a poor success rate in a mock science exam set to 1,300 pupils based on questions from the past 43 years.
The results highlight how important it is that students are given the opportunity to develop real research skills and appreciate the creativity of science through carrying out real research-based projects via schemes such as the CREST Awards.
This year, the best of these students nationally will be competing in the National Science Competition, which culminates at The Big Bang Fair during National Science and Engineering Week. The calibre of these students and their projects demonstrate the benefits that such schemes provide, including gained knowledge and research skills, transferable skills, and improved attitudes towards science, technology, engineering and maths.
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