Science in Schools – Why Does it Matter?

With constant budget reviews, the cost of teaching every subject on the curriculum is often under scrutiny. Even the main subjects haven’t escaped. Science is a relatively expensive subject to teach, needing specialised equipment, facilities, and staff, so it is hardly surprising that the costs involved in doing so are being examined.

It is worth understanding the importance of a strong education in the science subjects. High quality of teaching, and of the equipment available for students to use in their experiments, is vital in ensuring that pupils get the most out of their science education.

Economic benefits of science



According to the 1994 Group, which was set up to ‘promote excellence in research and teaching’, in a report published in February this year, ‘Science, engineering and technology (SET) subjects are…often vulnerable because of the lower proportion of UK students studying them, and the high relative cost of providing courses in these subjects’.

Yet according to the report, teaching science in schools actually pays strong economic dividends. Corporations spend vast amounts of money on Research and Development, processes which involve a lot of scientific knowledge and theory. Science based corporate R&D in the UK accounted for just over 1% of the nation’s total Gross Domestic Product in 2011, an impressive £17.4bn . So while the cost of ensuring that pupils in schools receive the highest quality science education may be high, it adds huge value to the economy, creating thousands of jobs and generating billions of pounds worth of revenue each year.

Importance of high quality scientific equipment

A strong science education is vital for pupils. According to Professor Ian Diamond, Chief Executive of the Economic and Social Research Council, ‘The future of the United Kingdom lies in knowledge. But our ability to generate new knowledge and use it innovatively depends upon having a scientifically literate population. And although people learn throughout their lives, good science education in schools is a vital preparation for scientific literacy in later life. ’

There is a large demand for knowledgeable scientists. According to a report by the Teaching and Learning Research Programme, ‘representatives of industry say that they need more high-grade scientists, technicians, and engineers if the UK is to compete successfully in technology-intensive global markets.’ And with the BBC reporting that ‘Russell Hobby, of the National Association of Head Teachers, said that practical science skills were vital for an understanding of scientific method and for many technical careers ’ there is a clear need for the highest quality of practical lessons being taught, which includes the quality of the equipment being used.

High quality scientific equipment

We provide a wide range of scientific equipment, including chemicals and supplies, to schools, colleges, and industry. We believe in supplying high quality equipment at affordable prices, allowing you to be fully equipped in order to teach or carry out practical science for less. Check out our extensive product range today.

1 http://www.1994group.co.uk/publications/HE%20Briefing1%20-%20High%20cost%20subjects%20support.pdf
2 http://www.tlrp.org/pub/documents/TLRP_Science_Commentary_FINAL.pdf
3 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-22369573