Recent developments in the science education of 14‐16 year olds in Northern Ireland or ’A Tale of Two Policies’

Abstract

In Northern Ireland, in recent years, concerns have been expressed about the large number of pupils who do not continue with formal science education beyond the age of 14. The introduction of a statutory curriculum, however, brought with it the requirement that all our young people should study science throughout compulsory schooling. This paper describes the implementation of this policy as it applies to 14‐16 year olds, including the development of the science programmes, their selection by schools and their uptake by pupils. The marked difference between the outcome of the new curriculum policy in the province and the outcome of a similar science policy in England is explored in terms of the distinctive features of the education system in Northern Ireland.