DR Caroline Oprandi: Education for everyone

Science & technology at Portslade Aldridge Community Academy

After taking pupils to various STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths) events, it has become apparent to me that the state sector looks woefully under-represented. The UK government, heavily supported by the EU, are pouring money into STEM related initiatives – which is fantastic – but it is the independent schools that are benefiting from this the most, not the state sector. Now it’s hardly rocket science, but teachers in the state sector are simply stretched to the maximum as it is, and do not have the time to take up these great initiatives. Furthermore, Ofsted no longer include extra-curricular activities as a specific inspection requirement.

A change in mindset by society is urgently required

I wholeheartedly agree with Sir Rod Aldridge when he said; “Everyone has the right to expect an exciting, engaging and relevant education, regardless of who they are, or where they live.”

However, it is not just a question of throwing money at the problem and taking pupils, say, on a trip to the seaside. After having worked with the brilliant Professor Nick von Tunzelmann at the Scientific Policy Research Unit (University of Sussex), I am finally applying some of the research. Yet a change in mindset by society is still urgently required. There is no reason why someone in the independent sector is more capable of doing physics and maths compared to someone in the state sector.

I have previously touched upon how science was held back in the past by religion (scientists lost their lives if they dared to go against church doctrine) and also by the rights, or lack thereof, of women (women did not go to university). Yet there is still a mountain to climb regarding ‘poverty of aspiration’ for the disadvantaged.

Here at PACA, we had a great time making comets at the recent University of Sussex Astronomy Masterclass – I was so proud of the pupils’ behaviour throughout the day. Now that was rocket science.

Follow me: @CarolineOprandi