Science Framework

Foreword

Science is diverse and exciting. It helps pupils to explore the world around them and understand so many things that have such relevance to daily life. Pupils must, therefore, have the best possible support for learning science at school.

Science is an integral part of our Key Stage 3 Strategy for strengthening standards in the early years of secondary education. We began this national strategy with English and mathematics, and the Frameworks we published for those subjects have been widely welcomed by teachers. The spotlight now moves - appropriately in Science Year - to the teaching and learning of science.

The Framework for teaching science: Years 7, 8 and 9 will help teachers to teach engaging, challenging and inspiring lessons, and to establish high expectations for their pupils. It draws on the DfES/QCA scheme of work for science, and explains the ideas underlying the National Curriculum programme of study.

Like all our materials for the Key Stage 3 Strategy, teachers have played an important role in their development, and the science Framework is based on best practice and the experiences of pilot schools and other partners. We want schools to make a professional judgement about how to use it, depending on their own current ways of working and development needs.

I hope you will see the science Framework to be a valuable resource that supports good teaching and learning. Through the Key Stage 3 Strategy we have embarked on an ambitious programme for our 11- to 14-year-olds but, with teachers' continuing support and commitment, we are confident about its success.

 

The Rt Honourable Estelle Morris MP
Secretary of State for Education and Skills

April 2002

Please note: on 6th May 2008, the renewed Secondary Frameworks website went live. Click here to access the renewed Frameworks.