Chief schools inspector calls for new approach to science curriculum
The government's chief schools inspector has called for a change in the way the science curriculum is designed in order to drive higher educational standards.
During a talk at the Association for Science Education Annual Conference at the University of Liverpool, Amanda Spielman said recent research has indicated that not enough attention is being paid to the science curriculum at present, with schools often focusing on English and maths at the expense of science.
Concerns were also raised about the fact that many schools only allow students to take science GCSEs if they achieve certain results, which places too much of a focus on grades and not enough on the individual aspirations of pupils.
Ms Spielman said: "Too few pupils, especially the more disadvantaged ones, are sufficiently challenged and too many have their education and career options unnecessarily limited. Making sure there is a challenging science curriculum for all pupils, with clear pathways into a career, further or higher education, should be a priority for all secondary schools."
As such, the chief inspector has called upon schools to do more to ensure their approach to science teaching does more to help students to develop a scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science, as well as the uses and implications of these theories.
This means moving away from an approach in which practical science experiments are mainly conducted purely as a means of motivating students and allowing them to have fun, instead focusing on how these tasks can improve pupils' knowledge and ability to create and test hypotheses.
Ms Spielman stated that Ofsted will continue to invest in sector research to provide schools with accurate insights into how this can be achieved, rather than imposing curriculum guidelines in a direct, top-down manner.
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£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 & Mentorship Roles Required – Wellingborough Inspire, Support, and Make a Lasting ImpactAre you passionate about helping young people overcome barriers to learning and personal development?
Reference
S357/Wellingborough-
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£93 - 105 per day
Location free text
Wigan
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Wigan
Description
Teaching Personnel are currently recruiting Teaching Assistants to support pupils within our partner primary schools across Wigan from September.We are looking for caring and enthusiastic individuals
Reference
pritchr
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Wigan and Warrington BranchAuthor
Wigan and Warrington BranchSalary
£14.25 - 16.00 per hour
Location free text
Chorley
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Cover Supervisor
Location
Lancashire
Description
Graduate Cover Supervisor Location: Chorley Contract: Full-time / Flexible Rate of Pay: From £14.25 per hour (Dependant on experience) Looking to gain classroom experience before a career in teachin
Reference
AJB-12/06
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Lancashire SecondaryAuthor
Lancashire SecondarySalary
£31,650 - 41,604 per year
Location free text
Aldershot
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
English
Location
Aldershot
Description
English Teacher – AldershotStart Date: September 2026 (or sooner if available) Contract: Full-Time / Permanent Salary: MPR / UPR Suitable for: ECTs and experienced teachersTeaching Personnel is workin
Reference
English 110
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Hampshire SecondaryAuthor
Hampshire SecondarySalary
£110 - 140 per day
Location free text
Farnborough
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Cover Supervisor
Location
Hampshire
Description
Cover Supervisor – FarnboroughImmediate Start | Flexible, Full‑Time & Part‑Time RolesAre you a university graduate, an aspiring teacher, or an unqualified educator looking to gain valuable experience
Reference
Cover 217
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Hampshire SecondaryAuthor
Hampshire SecondarySalary
£20 - 30 per hour
Location free text
Slough
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Slough
Description
Are you a passionate, experienced educator who believes every child deserves the chance to succeed — no matter their background or barriers to learning?We are currently recruiting highly skilled Maths
Reference
Tutor_Slough12/06
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£110 - 140 per day
Location free text
Andover
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Cover Supervisor
Location
Andover
Description
Cover Supervisor – AndoverStart ASAP | Full‑Time, Part‑Time & Flexible OpportunitiesAre you a recent graduate, an aspiring teacher, or an unqualified educator looking to gain valuable experience in se
Reference
Cover 216
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Hampshire SecondaryAuthor
Hampshire SecondarySalary
£20 - 30 per hour
Location free text
Guildford
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Guildford
Description
We are seeking dedicated and empathetic in-person tutors to work with both primary and secondary-aged pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN). A growing number of our referrals are for pupils who
Reference
Tutor_Guildford12/06
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£20 - 30 per hour
Location free text
Woking
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Surrey
Description
We are seeking dedicated, experienced and adaptable tutors to provide high-quality tuition support for pupils across Woking and nearby areas.This is a highly rewarding opportunity for educators who ar
Reference
Tutor_Woking001
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£120 - 230 per day
Location free text
Salisbury
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Art and Design
Location
Salisbury
Description
Art TeacherHave a love for art? A creative nature? Passionate about education? Teaching Personnel could be the place for you!Teaching Personnel are looking for a creative and dedicated Art teacher to
Reference
TM-12/6/26-Art(Sals)
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset & Hants SecondaryAuthor
Dorset & Hants SecondaryRelated posts
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
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
As Teaching Personnel marks 30 years, Danielle shares her experience of building a career with the company over the past 11 years. She's completed an apprenticeship, managed a branch and w
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
Patrick highlights a decade of his work as Teaching Personnel celebrates a milestone of 10 years.He's built relationships with schools and his own management style to successfully run a branch
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
As Teaching Personnel celebrates 30 years, we hear from Senior Branch Manager, Hannah James, who reflects on her time with us these past 11 years. The impact we have on our schools and educat
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
As Teaching Personnel marks 30 years, Vicky shares her experience of building a career with the company over the past 11 years.She joined as a trainee recruitment consultant and has become an
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
As we celebrate 30 years of making difference, get to know Rebecca who has worked at Teaching Personnel for nearly a decade. Being able to support schools and help place the right educators
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
As Teaching Personnel celebrates its 30-year anniversary, Jenny reflects on a decade of working at Teaching Personnel.From starting as a teaching assistant to overseeing multiple branches, her
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
Gemma joined the Future Teachers Programme shortly after graduating. Now in a permanent teaching position, she reflects on how the programme shaped her classroom experience and supp
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
Discover Ben Whittle’s role and find out about his impact within the Future Teachers Programme Read more How long have you been with Teaching Personnel and where are
Register with us
for a choice of classroom roles
Register today
Recent job