This study explores the form of curriculum documents and its implications for the enacted curriculum. In this study, the narrative voices that appear in the Scottish Broad General Education phase and the Swedish Compulsory phase of the curriculum are scrutinized in relation to the most likely reader of these documents--the teacher. The study…

A prominent feature of the Black Lives Matter protests following the murder of George Floyd has been the renewed call for schools to become antiracist. What can be learnt from past unsuccessful attempts to implement antiracist education? Specific critiques of the antiracist movement made by prominent academics such as Paul Gilroy are worth…

Reform of the Scottish science curriculum for Higher Chemistry gave students the opportunity to experiment with essential oils and fragrances. With the support of a Royal Society Partnership Grant, the students learnt how to isolate and identify compounds in essential oils using microscale steam distillation and thin-layer chromatography. The…

Policy studies in science education do not have a particularly high profile. For science teachers, policy lurks in the background, somewhat disconnected from their normal classroom practice; for many, it is simply taken-for-granted. This paper analyses policy documents which have emerged from Curriculum for Excellence ("CfE") that impact…

The Curriculum for Excellence and new National Qualifications offer innovative reform, based on widely supported ideas and aims, for Scottish preschool, primary and secondary education levels. "Objectives and syllabuses" for science are replaced by "experiences and outcomes". Most strikingly, central prescription makes way for…

This paper reflects upon the development of a multidisciplinary lesson plan aimed at developing science skills for Physics and Astronomy, Geographical and Earth Sciences, and Chemistry students at a research intensive Scottish university. The lesson plan was co-developed with a small group of staff and undergraduate students from these…

Literacy remains an area of concern in early secondary education in Scotland (ages 12-14), with recent research suggesting a continued decline in attainment levels. As literacy underpins learning, interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches to teaching literacy are now being emphasized through the new Curriculum for Excellence that aims to…

"Science: A portrait of current practice" is part of a series of portraits by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) which builds on the messages of the "Improving Scottish Education" report. This portrait reviews the extent to which current practice in science is successfully promoting the four capacities of Curriculum…

Reviews the physics courses regularly available at 16 universities and colleges of technology in Scotland. (SL)

Choices in science--allocation of research funds, selection of research topics, interaction with research subjects (animals, environment, other humans), etc.--often, if not always, include some ethical considerations. Future scientists need skills to deal with and discuss ethical problems, and for that reason we have developed and evaluated one…

1984 marks the implementation in Scottish schools and colleges of Standard Grade courses for the 14 to 16 age group and the 16-18s Action Plan. This review will introduce these two major curriculum changes to non-Scottish readers, and emphasize the changes which will occur in science. (JN)

Provides information on physics courses at universities and colleges of technology in Scotland. Includes courses offered, honors degree courses, special entry requirements, course structure, and notes with information specific to each institution. Also includes name of contact person and institutional address. (JN)

Lists physics courses at universities and colleges of technology in Scotland. Includes honors degree courses, course structure, special entry requirements (if any), special notes, and name of contact person. (SK)

Presents a description of the curricula in physics at 16 universities, colleges, and polytechnical institutes in Scotland. The entry requirements are summarized and procedures for making application are given. (SA)

Describes college physics courses in Scotland. Presents honors degree courses, entry requirements, course structure, and further information from 15 colleges in Scotland. (YP)