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United Kingdom. 2009 Intel ISEF Educator Academy. Introductions. Educational Environment. In total, there were 560.000 teachers employed in the public sector (2001 census), with 9.849.100 pupils, i.e. ratio of 1:18 roughly.
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United Kingdom 2009 Intel ISEF Educator Academy
Educational Environment In total, there were 560.000 teachers employed in the public sector (2001 census), with 9.849.100 pupils, i.e. ratio of 1:18 roughly. Compulsory school age is 5-16 in England & Wales, 4-16 in Northern Ireland and Scotland. Compulsory school is organised in a two tier system. In England, a three tier system (first, middle and secondary schools) still exists side by side, although it is being phased out. Over 90% of pupils in England, Scotland and Wales attend non selective secondary schools; in Northern Ireland, secondary schooling is selective. Approx. 1.8 million students are currently enrolled in the UK higher education system; about 1/3 of pupils go on to higher education at age 18 (in Scotland: 50%). There is an increasing number of mature students in either full-time or part-time university degrees. Higher education is a current policy priority for the government, with a target set to attract 50% of 18- to 30-year-olds by 2010.
Educational Environment • The four countries of the UK have a high degree of autonomy within the Education system. This is reflected in differing versions of the national curriculum (introduced in England and Wales in 1988). • Maths & Science are compulsory subjects in the national curriculum to age 16 • National Curriculum defines graduation requirements • University entrance is determined by Advanced Level exams taken at age 18
Science Fairs • Historically, there have been fairs and celebrations for several organisations including the British Science Association’s CREST Awards and the Young Engineers • In March 2009 the Big Bang National Fair was a significant development www.thebigbangfair.co.uk This included activities, workshops, talks, hands-on areas for visiting students and the judging of 200 projects. • Funding came from numerous organisations, including the government, coordinated through ETB • This included the UK Young Scientist and UK Young Technologist of the Year • 12 Regional Fairs feed into the National Fair • Major developments already being put in place for 2010
Science Fairs The three biggest obstacles faced in the UK: • Embedding project-based learning that feeds into the Fairs. • Opportunities do exist to develop this, given recent curriculum changes that provide more freedom for teachers, and the abolishment of national testing in England at age 14. • Raising the profile of Regional Fairs to enable more teachers to attend with their students • Attendance is both time and cost intensive, and therefore tends to be de-prioritised accordingly • Prolonged secured funding