Better literacy skills 'could help close attainment gap in science'
Steps to enhance literacy standards could lead to improved science results for disadvantaged pupils in primary and secondary schools, according to new research.
A report published by the Education Endowment Foundation and the Royal Society has suggested that better reading and writing skills could make it easier for students to test theories through experiments and trials, a crucial aspect of effective scientific learning.
The research - conducted by the Department of Education at the University of Oxford - reviewed the best international research to identify interventions and approaches that have been shown to have a positive impact on young people's learning outcomes, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
It was found that the strongest factor affecting science scores is how well students understand written texts, with poor literacy skills affecting the ability to understand scientific vocabulary and prepare scientific reports.
As such, strategies to boost disadvantaged pupils' reading comprehension could have a positive impact on their achievement in science too, enhancing their ability to reason scientifically and carry out fair tests in line with the materials they are given to read.
It was also shown that a lack of opportunities to learn is a major factor causing lower achievement in science, with programmes allowing pupils to visit places such as university laboratories or museums boosting science grades for secondary school pupils.
Sir Kevan Collins, chief executive of the Education Endowment Foundation, said: "Pupils from disadvantaged homes are much less likely than their peers to get good grades in science and to go on to take a science subject at A-level and beyond.
"Helping schools to use evidence and to understand better the most effective ways to improve results is the best way to tackle this country's stark science attainment gap. Today's review identifies some promising approaches with the potential to raise standards and close the gap."
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£120 - 160 per day
Location free text
Sheffield
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teacher
Location
Sheffield
Description
Immediate Opportunity for a Dedicated KS2 Teacher in Sheffield! Are you a passionate and experienced KS2 teacher?Position: KS2 TeacherLocation: SheffieldAbout Us: Our schools in Sheffield are committ
Reference
sc12321
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Sheffield NorthAuthor
Sheffield NorthSalary
£120 - 160 per day
Location free text
Sheffield
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£500 - £749 per week
Sector
Teacher
Location
Sheffield
Description
Calling all passionate educators! Are you ready to inspire young minds and shape the future? Join our dynamic team as a Key Stage 2 Teacher in the vibrant city of Sheffield!At Teaching Personnel, we b
Reference
JH351
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Sheffield NorthAuthor
Sheffield NorthSalary
£83.85 - 95.00 per day
Location free text
Sheffield
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
Less than £100 per day
Less than £500 per week
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Sheffield
Description
Are you passionate about supporting children's learning and development? Do you thrive in a dynamic and collaborative environment? We're looking for a dedicated Key Stage 2 Teaching Assistant to join
Reference
JH353
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Sheffield NorthAuthor
Sheffield NorthSalary
£120 - 160 per day
Location free text
Sheffield
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Primary
Location
Sheffield
Description
Exciting Opportunity for KS1 Teacher in Sheffield! Position: KS1 TeacherLocation: SheffieldAbout Us: Our schools in Sheffield are dedicated to providing a nurturing and inspiring learning environment
Reference
sc3434
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Sheffield NorthAuthor
Sheffield NorthSalary
£30,000 - 46,525 per year
Location free text
Chorlton
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Science
Location
Cheshire
Description
Position: Science Teacher Location: Chorlton Job Type: Temporary, Full-Time (with potential for permanent) Start Date: April 15th (Summer term) Salary: £30,000 – £46,252 (dep
Reference
JM9090900
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester South SecondaryAuthor
Manchester South SecondarySalary
£12.90 - 15.50 per hour
Location free text
Chorlton
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Cover Supervisor
Location
Cheshire
Description
Job Title: Cover Supervisor Location: North West England, Cheshire, ChorltonJob Type: Temporary, expected to work Full-Time hoursPrimary Industry: Education and TrainingCompany Branding: Teaching
Reference
JM647
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester South SecondaryAuthor
Manchester South SecondarySalary
£12.90 - 15.50 per hour
Location free text
Manchester City Centre
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Manchester
Description
Position: Sixth Form Teaching Assistant Location: Greater Manchester, Manchester City Centre Job Type: Temporary, Full-Time Salary: £12.90 - £15.50 Per hour Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Educat
Reference
JM457
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester South SecondaryAuthor
Manchester South SecondarySalary
£12.90 - 13.50 per hour + Free CPD
Location free text
Kirkby
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Merseyside
Description
Job Title: KS2 SEN Teaching AssistantLocation: Kirkby, L32Contract Type: Full-time, June start dateSalary: £12.90 - £13.50 per hourSchool: GOOD PrimaryAre you passionate about supporting children with
Reference
KIRKSEN39475
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Lancashire SecondaryAuthor
Lancashire SecondarySalary
£90 - 130 per day
Location free text
Northampton
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Cover Supervisor
Location
Northampton
Description
Teaching Personnel are working alongside a number of schools within Northamptonshire who require Unqualified Teachers to join the school when planned and unplanned absences arise.This role involves co
Reference
28739291
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£12.90 - 14.66 per hour + Free CPD
Location free text
Kirkby
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Merseyside
Description
General Teaching Assistant role required at an Ofsted graded ‘GOOD’ Primary school in Kirkby.Are you passionate about education and eager to make a positive impact on young minds? Look no further! – a
Reference
GTAKIR667
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Lancashire SecondaryAuthor
Lancashire SecondaryRelated posts
Teaser
Tips and AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
The teacher recruitment crisis is a priority for school leaders across the country. In the 2021–22 academic year, 4000 teachers retired, and 9% of the teaching workforce resigned, marking the highes
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
Planning for the Easter break? The Teaching Personnel payroll team wants to make sure you get paid on time. This table outlines the Easter 2024 payroll date, along with the corresponding deadline
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
Supply TeachingContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD01YY
Summary
Table of Contents 1. Why do people become supply teachers? 2. What does it take to become a supply teacher? 3. How can I find work as a supply teacher? <!-- b--> 4. How shou
by
Alex Schulte
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD01YY
Summary
Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision in schools is a critical aspect of education that demands attention in 2024. According to the Department for Education, over 1.5 million pupils in England
Teaser
Multi-Academy TrustsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD11YY
Summary
Laura Williams is an education leadership coach with fifteen years of leadership experience in education across business, operations, HR, finance and governance. She is a former Business Manager, CO
by
Scott Owen
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD11YY
Summary
Creating a safe and nurturing environment for pupils is paramount in the age of evolving social dynamics. One issue that has gained significant attention in recent years is the distinction between
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD11YY
Summary
Shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson addressed the Labour Party conference in October, where she announced plans to reform primary maths. Currently, one in four children leave primary school
Teaser
Tips and AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD10YY
Summary
Mock exams are a crucial milestone in a pupil's academic journey, serving as a practice run for the real deal. As educators, you play a pivotal role in helping pupils navigate through these trial ex
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
In the fast-moving world of education, headteachers and schools face the challenge of ensuring a continuous and reliable supply of qualified teachers. Unforeseen teacher absences due to staff sickness
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
Embarking on the journey to become an educator is both exhilarating and demanding. The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is crucial to achieving your teaching ambitions. The road ahead
Register with us
for a choice of classroom roles
Register today
Recent job