April 9, 2014

expert reaction to proposed removal of practical aspects of science examinations

The exam regulator Ofqual ruled that science experiments will no longer count towards final A-level grades.

Prof Jackie Hunter, BBSRC Chief Executive, said:

“This is a counter-intuitive move at a time when there is broad agreement that science and technology is a key driver for the UK economy and there is a need for more young people to embark on scientific and biomedical careers.  Not only do practical classes provide vital experience, they also serve to communicate the excitement and interest in science that actual experimentation brings. My own interest and enthusiasm for science, and my entire career, was sparked by the thrill and application of hands-on experimentation in school. There is a real risk that schools will now deprioritise expensive science practicals – something that will be especially evident in schools with stretched resources. I sincerely hope that a means might be found to reverse this decision.”

Prof Colin Blakemore, Professor of Neuroscience & Philosophy, School of Advanced Study, University of London, said:

“Every experimental scientist has lifelong memories of the best of their practical classes at school. What other sort of teaching can give teenagers the sense of discovery originally experienced by such giants as Newton, Mendel and Faraday? Studying science without practicals would be like learning to play the piano from a textbook. Good practical teaching isn’t just inspirational and wonderfully instructive. It’s essential for the future of experimental science in this country.”

Prof Lord Robert Winston, Professor of Science & Society and Emeritus Professor of Fertility Studies, Imperial College London, said:

“This is a terrible idea when all available evidence (three House of Lords Select Committee reports emphasise the fact) shows that it is practical science which persuades around 80% of science students to get interested in it, and in most cases to enter university where they will do even more experiments.”

Imran Khan, Chief Executive of the British Science Association (BSA), said:

“Science is a way of looking at and thinking about the world – not a body of facts. You wouldn’t dream of assessing other practical subjects – like languages, music, or design – by a written test alone, and the same should be true of science. Otherwise we risk creating a generation of young people who can recite facts, but not really understand, use, and enjoy the science behind them.”

Dr Mark Downs, Chief Executive of the Society of Biology, said

“I am dismayed by Ofqual’s response to this critical issue. They have chosen to ignore the whole scientific community. Science is all about application and discovery. Excluding practical exams from the marking system for overall A level grades is simply nonsensical”. Adding “To be able to achieve an A or A* grade in a science subject without taking full account of a student’s level of performance in practical work cannot be right.”

Steve Bates, Chief Executive of UK Bioindustry Association (BIA), said:

“The bioprocessing and cell therapy industries the government is keen to kickstart in the UK need practical scientists and engineers inspired to manufacture products. Biotech companies already struggle to recruit people with practical skills, especially technicians. This step stands to deny the next generation of scientists the skills they will actually need to get the jobs of the future.”

Dr Sarah Main, Director of Campaign for Science and Engineering, said:

“I am shocked and dismayed at this decision.  The science and engineering community voiced their concerns loudly to Ofqual and they have not been heard. I am deeply concerned that uncoupling practicals from science A-level grades will lead to practicals being deprioritised, especially in schools where resource is tight. This will not help students who we know are inspired and motivated by practicals and enjoy doing science, not just learning about science.  And it will not help universities, colleges and companies who already struggle to recruit people with the practical experience they need. CaSE calls for practical experience to be at the heart of A-level science teaching and for its place to be assured by making it mandatory and rigorously assessed.”

Letter from the Council for Science and Technology here