Science Colleges will use their specialist status to create a challenging environment which raises standards of achievement and the quality of teaching and learning in science and mathematics for all their students, leading to whole school improvement in performance. A Science College will provide a centre of excellence in scientific, technological, enterprising and vocational education. It will be an active contributor to local and national developments within science and mathematics and will encourage young people to pursue science and mathematics beyond 16, providing them with appropriate learning pathways so that they develop the skills needed to be active citizens within an increasingly scientific world and to progress into employment, further training and higher education according to their individual abilities, aptitudes and ambitions. Science Colleges will be active partners in a learning society with their local families of schools and their communities, sharing resources and disseminating good practice.
Ethos and key characteristics
Science Colleges will:
Create a visible scientific ethos that is understood clearly by pupils, parents and the community, and which inspires and motivates.
Develop a scientifically rich curriculum, that pervades all aspects of school life and work with the wider community.
Address the needs of future citizens in a scientific world as well as those of future scientists, embracing ethical, social, cultural and moral issues related to science and mathematics.
Play an active part in local and national developments, initiatives and competitions relevant to the specialism, to enrich provision for their own pupils and those in their partner schools.
Develop a rich repertoire of teaching and learning strategies, including through the imaginative use of ICT, and involvement in subject associations, industry, local and national developments and initiatives and competitions relevant to science and mathematics.
Work with scientific and related industries to establish high status vocational courses and work-related opportunities, to ensure that all pupils have access to appropriate pathways.
Specialist subjects
Science Colleges will focus on science and mathematics.
