Raising the Profile of Science in Schools and Society

This seminar will focus on the future of science education in schools, and on the relationship between science, business and the wider public.

The agenda includes contributions from three leaders of the Expert Groups appointed following the Government’s Science and Society consultation as well as from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and from the chair of the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee.

Planned sessions look at:

•  Science in the classroom:
  • Assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the science curriculum;
  • The future of science in schools;
  • Debate on the newly introduced science diploma;
  • The future of the science teaching workforce;
•  Science as a career:
  • Perspectives on how more young people can be encouraged to take up a career in science and engineering; 
• Science and wider society:
  • Analysis of the current relationship between science and the general public;
  • Public attitudes towards science;
  • the representation of science in the media;  
• Government and science: 
  • Viewpoints on the place of science in Government decision making;
  • Does Government use science knowledge and scientists effectively?

Bringing together key policy makers with education professionals; governor, parent and learner representatives; science-based businesses; academics and citizens groups involved in education and other interested parties – this seminar is organised on the basis of strict impartiality by the Westminster Education Forum.

Speakers  

Keynote speakers confirmed include:

•  Jean Franczyk, Head of Learning, National Museum of Science and Industry;
• Diana Garnham, Chief Executive, Science Council and Group Chair, Science for Careers Expert Group;
• Dr Ben Goldacre, Columnist, The Guardian and author, Bad Science;
• Sir Roland Jackson, Chief Executive, The British Science Association and Group Chair, Science for All Expert Group;
• John Neilson, Director, Research Base, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills;
• Ian Richardson HMI, National Advisor for Science, Ofsted;
• Professor Kathy Sykes, Professor of Sciences and Society, University of Bristol and Chair, Research Councils UK Public Engagement with Research Advisory Panel;
• Sir Mark Walport, Director, Wellcome Trust and Group Chair, Science and Learning Expert Group; and
• Phil Willis MP, Chairman, Science and Technology Committee.

Other confirmed speakers include: Aileen Allsop, Vice President of Science Policy, AstraZeneca; Professor Angela McFarlane, Director of Content and Learning, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Professor of Education, University of Bristol; Chris Kirby, Education Manager, Institution of Mechanical Engineers; and Andy Prindiville, Headteacher, St Gregory’s Roman Catholic School, Brent.

Dr Brian Iddon MP, Member, Science and Technology Committee and Baroness Walmsley, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Children, Schools and Families have each kindly agreed to chair part of this event. Further senior speakers have been contacted and we are waiting for confirmation of diaries.

Vist their website for a full agenda and how to book: http://www.westminsterforumprojects.co.uk/educationforum/events.html