Have your say on the Advanced British Standard qualification
The RSC are responding to a consultation on the proposed, new 16-19 Advanced British Standard (ABS) qualification. This qualification is designed to replace the current post-16 landscape with the aims of:
- Bringing technical and academic routes under a single pathway
- Increasing the number of hours each student is taught
- Ensuring that all young people study maths and English until the age of 18
- Offering a ‘major’ and ‘minor’ system for subjects
We would like to hear your views on any aspect of the government’s proposed plans. For example, the structure of the qualification, the feasibility of increasing teaching hours, potential implications for your school or students, what support you feel would need to be put in place for teachers (and providers) to deliver this qualification, or any other aspect you would like to comment on.
We want to represent and amplify your views in our response to the government. You can do this by emailing your comments to us or if you would prefer, request a conversation with us via email.
You can have a look at the full version of the proposals here: A world-class education system: The Advanced British Standard consultation.
Make a difference to your teaching community with £600 (€690)
Is there a need for better training and supportive networking in your area? Our Empowerment Fund can help make it happen. Get funding to run a project or event, such as…
- a session for early career teachers to try out experiments
- setting up a local support network with termly webinars on a range of topics
- workshops at which teachers share and develop plans for new or ‘recovery’ curricula
- a networking session for teachers to speak to chemists working in different industries
Or any other eligible idea with the goal of improving chemistry teaching in your area or helping to build a strong, supportive network across local schools.
Win a £100 gift voucher
Get creative with our prize draw for National Careers Week and British Science Week
National Careers Week takes place 4–9 March, followed by British Science Week from 8–17 March. Our prize draw gives you a simple, creative way to get your students excited about STEM careers:
- Download the careers and skills activity pack (free)
- Get your students to picture themselves in a scientific career
- Share your class poster on X (Twitter) with the hashtag #StepsIntoSciPoster for your chance to win a £100 gift voucher
The first fifty entries will also receive a periodic table poster as a gift. You can fill out the form to enter at any point between 9 February and 17 March – what are you waiting for?
Save time with the RSC’s resources this British Science Week
British Science Week is coming up soon (8–17 March). This year’s theme is time – something that we know can be in short supply for teachers! Here are some of our secondary resources that fit the theme, so you can plan a fantastic week for your chemistry learners:
- Monitor rates of reaction with this engaging experiment
- Use our infographic, poster and board game to explore the dramatic effect of time on Earth’s rocks
- Time is of the essence in the climate crisis – champion sustainability with our page of resources
discover our Outreach resources hub
Do you know how important technical support staff are?
Over the last decade, several national surveys have highlighted that the crucial role technical support staff play in schools is not fully understood. The #Techognition campaign aims to change that.
Join a national celebration of technicians on Friday 8 March and show support for technical staff around the UK.
Business of Science Innovation Awards 2024 now open
Do you or your students have an innovative science-based idea that could benefit society?
We want to hear from the next generation of innovators, passionate about making a difference through science. This opportunity celebrates student-led innovations that aim to solve real-world problems, connecting participants to leading scientists in their field.
Winners will be invited to the Business of Science Conference on 22 May 2024 in Manchester. Submit your idea by 22 March.
Find out more and submit your idea
Subject-specific mentor support interviews
Here at the RSC, we are exploring ways to provide dedicated support to mentors of early career science teachers, and we are looking for your insights.
If you’re interested, we would like teachers to take part in research interviews during the week of 18 March to inform our program development. To participate, please email Max by 11 March.
Participants will receive a thank you gesture for their contribution.
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