Science lessons should be more stimulating, says Ofsted

17 Jun 2008

Science lessons should include a focus on scientific enquiry by getting pupils to do more practical experiments and research and analysis rather than by relying solely on textbooks.

Many teachers, particularly in primary schools, lack the confidence to teach science well because they don't know enough about the subject and have had too little professional training, according to a new report by Ofsted, the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills.

The report shows that the most stimulating and engaging teaching occur when science is bought to life and pupils are given the chance to conduct, evaluate and record their own investigations rather than rely solely on textbooks.

Although teaching and learning were at least satisfactory in almost all of the schools visited and around three quarters of the lessons were good, standards in science have remained substantially unchanged in recent years and inspections highlight recurring weaknesses, particularly in planning and assessment.

The report looks at why standards in science have not improved significantly in the last three years at Key stages 1 and 2 (pupils aged between 5 and 11). It also highlights the strengths and weaknesses of science teaching in primary and secondary schools and gives examples of schools where young scientists excel.

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Science lessons should be more stimulating, says Ofsted

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