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A committee of MPs has concluded that many students are receiving poor practical science experiences during their secondary school education.

The Science and Technology Committee report, ‘Practical Experiments in School Science Lessons and Science Field Trips (HC 1060-I)’, concludes there was no credible evidence to support the frequently cited explanation of health and safety concerns for a decline in practicals and trips. Instead, more focus is needed on what happens after teachers have been recruited to the profession: knowledge and practical skills must be maintained and developed in order for high quality science education to be delivered.

The report goes on to say practical science is relatively expensive and carries little cachet for parents comparing schools. The inspection regime and the requirements set for exam boards should therefore drive higher quality with more and better practical science lessons.

The Committee also found a lack of coherence in the provision of science educational materials. It urges the science community to utilise the Science, Technology, English and Mathematics (STEM) directories – the online database of STEM enhancement and enrichment activities for schools and colleges – and calls on the government to secure the future of the directories which provide vital contacts between schools and scientists.

Finally, the Committee urges the government to provide a detailed strategy on how it intends to achieve its ambition to increase participation in school science subjects.

Despite some downbeat words, it does appear that the government is committed to keeping practical science alive.