Schools 'should encourage broader participation in extracurricular science activities'
School students from diverse backgrounds should all be offered more opportunities to take part in science-based learning beyond the classroom, a new study has concluded.
Research from University College London has indicated that British pupils from less privileged backgrounds are generally far less likely to participate in informal science learning experiences, such as school trips and museum visits - a trend that is undermining current efforts to increase and broaden science engagement among young people.
The study assessed survey data from almost 6,000 UK secondary schoolchildren aged 11 to 16 from communities with traditionally low science engagement, in order to ascertain how often they were getting involved in extracurricular science learning.
It was found that more than half of the surveyed students had never been on a science-related school trip, while nearly 70 per cent had never had a visitor talk on science. This is despite the fact that strong levels of interest in science were recorded among these students.
Possible obstacles to greater participation in these activities include a focus on targeting higher-attaining students, the high cost of providing school trips and the pressures of high-stakes testing, all of which may be driving inequality in attainment levels.
However, the fact that so many of these students are still interested in science-based activities suggests that school-led efforts to broaden engagement would be well-received, and that schools could therefore still play an important role in encouraging interest in science among traditionally marginalised groups.
Dr Jennifer DeWitt, a co-author of the study at University College London's Institute of Education, said: "We would encourage schools to ensure that science-related extracurricular activities, including school visits, are targeted to reach all students, not just those in the 'top' sets, to avoid reproducing existing inequalities.
"We would also urge places like science museums and science centres to broaden their offer, so that a wider range of individuals - not just those from privileged backgrounds - can feel welcomed and comfortable there."
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£20 - 29 per hour
Location free text
Northampton
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Northampton
Description
One-to-One Tutor – Primary, Secondary, GCSE & SENDLocation: Northampton and surrounding areas Job Type: Temporary, Flexible, with potential for permanent roles Working Hours: Monday to Friday, during
Reference
A67/Northampton
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£20 - 29 per hour
Location free text
Wellingborough
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Northamptonshire
Description
1:1 Tutor – Primary, Secondary, GCSE & SENDLocation: Wellingborough and nearby areas Contract Type: Temporary, Flexible, with opportunities for permanent work Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, during
Reference
A66/Wellingborough
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£20 - 29 per hour
Location free text
Kettering
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Northamptonshire
Description
1:1 Tutor – Primary, Secondary, GCSE & SENDLocation: Kettering and surrounding areas Contract: Temporary, Flexible, with potential for permanent positions Working Hours: Monday to Friday, during schoo
Reference
A65/Kettering
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£20 - 29 per hour
Location free text
Corby
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Northamptonshire
Description
1:1 Tutor – Primary, Secondary, GCSE & SENDLocation: Corby and surrounding areas Job Type: Temporary, Flexible, with potential for permanent opportunities Hours: Monday to Friday, during school hours
Reference
A64/Corby
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£20 - 29 per hour
Location free text
Cambridge
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Cambridge
Description
1:1 Tutor – Primary, Secondary, GCSE & SENDLocation: Cambridge and surrounding areas Job Type: Flexible, Temporary, with opportunities for permanent roles Working Hours: Monday to Friday, during schoo
Reference
A63/Cambridge
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£13.75 - 14.75 per hour
Location free text
Preston
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Lancashire
Description
Behaviour Specialist – Secondary School, Preston Location: Preston Position: Behaviour Specialist Hours: Full-time Start Date: November 2026 Experience: EssentialAre you an experienced Behaviour Spec
Reference
PR - behaviour TA
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Lancashire SecondaryAuthor
Lancashire SecondarySalary
£90.40 - 100.00 per day
Location free text
Northampton
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Primary
Location
Northampton
Description
Join Us as a Behaviour Support Assistant – Immediate Starts Next Term! Looking to begin a new role this term?Position: Behaviour Support Assistant Location: Northampton and surrounding areasPay: Compe
Reference
BSA - North
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Northants & Counties PrimaryAuthor
Northants & Counties PrimarySalary
£90.40 - 100.00 per day
Location free text
Wellingborough
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Primary
Location
Northamptonshire
Description
Join Us as a Behaviour Support Assistant – Immediate Starts Next Term! Looking to begin a new role this term?Position: Behaviour Support Assistant Location: Wellingborough and surrounding areasPay: Co
Reference
BSA - WELL
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Northants & Counties PrimaryAuthor
Northants & Counties PrimarySalary
£14.25 - 15.25 per hour
Location free text
Preston
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Lancashire
Description
Teaching Assistant – Outreach ExperiencePreston, PR3 Full-Time | Monday to Friday Secondary / High School Start: November 2026Are you an experienced Teaching Assistant, Outreach Worker or Youth Worker
Reference
PR - outreach TA
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Lancashire SecondaryAuthor
Lancashire SecondarySalary
£90.40 - 100.00 per day
Location free text
Corby
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Primary
Location
Northamptonshire
Description
Join Us as a Behaviour Support Assistant – Immediate Starts Next Term! Looking to begin a new role this term?Position: Behaviour Support Assistant Location: Corby and surrounding areasPay: Competitive
Reference
BSA - corb
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Northants & Counties PrimaryAuthor
Northants & Counties PrimaryRelated posts
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD10YY
Summary
October marks Black History Month in the UK, giving schools an opportunity to celebrate the achievements, contributions and experiences of Black communities while encouraging meaningful conversati
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD10YY
Summary
As ADHD Awareness Month shines a spotlight on neurodiversity, Teaching Personnel's Ellen shares her experience of being diagnosed with ADHD later in life and how greater awareness and understandi
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
As we celebrate National Teaching Assistants' Day 2026, we're delighted to recognise the incredible individuals who have been selected as our Teaching Assistant of the Year winners.This year,
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
After a well-earned summer break, schools across the UK are opening their doors once again for a new academic year. Whether you're returning to a familiar classroom or starting a new role, Septemb
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD08YY
Summary
As schools and trusts prepare for changes to the way temporary staff are sourced from September 2026, many will look to work more closely with framework-approved recruitment partners. Understandin
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
Summer has only just started, and September might seem a long way off, but it will be here sooner than you think. Schools and trusts are already planning for September, with new opportunities open
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
Education NewsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
As schools and trusts prepare for September 2026, the shift from CCS (Crown Commercial Service) to the new GCA (Government Commercial Agency) framework marks a significant change in how supply sta
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
When schools wind down for the holidays, nurseries keep open. Many early-years settings remain open throughout the summer. Nurseries rely on skilled, caring staff to help children and
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
Exams are one of the most stressful times in the academic year, and it isn’t only pupils who feel the pressure. For teaching assistants (TAs) and support staff, exam season brings new expectations
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
If you’re considering taking the next step in education, you’re not alone. More teachers and support staff are exploring permanent roles that offer stability, progression, and a sense of belonging
by
Adam Davies
Register with us
for a choice of classroom roles
Register today
Recent job