Our Policy Work

The Association for Science Education provides an independent, powerful voice for the science education community. Our ambition is to bring our expertise to bear, to influence science education policy at national levels. Science education should prepare present and future citizens for modern society, stimulate interest in the further study of the sciences and educate the next generation of science-based professionals. 

We aim to achieve curriculum reform that:

  • meets young people’s needs and improves their outcomes;
  • drives a policy and practical framework that supports science educators;
  • encourages science educators to stay in practice. 

We represent the views of our members on a broad range of areas across science education. Submissions to government consultations and position statements are written by expert committee members supported by staff.

 

Our partnership work

In addition to our own policy work, the ASE , Institute of Physics, Royal Society, Royal Society of Biology and Royal Society of Chemistry work in partnership to promote high-quality science education in schools as a Science Education Policy Alliance. As part of this group, we provide guidance and advice to those who make policy decisions about science education and advocate evidence-informed science education policy. 

Similarly ASE works as part of the Learned Societies' Group on Scottish Science Education (LSG) which was established in 2012. Its remit includes identifying and promoting priorities for school science education in Scotland; monitoring and responding to school science education initiatives and developments; and stimulating debate relating to these issues in Scotland. The group comprises representatives from the: ASE, British Computer Society, Engineering Policy Group in Scotland, Institute of Physics, Royal Society of Chemistry, Royal Society of Edinburgh and Society of Biology.

ASE Consultation and Policy Responses

March 2024 - Gender Questioning Children Non Statutory Guidance (England) 

Feb 2024 - ASE response to TeacherTapp State of CPD report

Dec 2023 - Consultation on 11-16 Education by the Lords

Nov 2023 - New EEF guidance on improving primary science teaching

Oct 2023 - PCAG report on the future for the primary science curriculum

June 2023 - ASE shares concern over single science GCSE plans for Wales

April 2023 - Joint statement on the re-introduction of coursework and assignments for practical subjects (Scotland) 

Earlier responses

ASE response to ITT Market Review consulation

August 2021 - We share our response to the Department of Education's Initial Teacher Training market review and consultation on the recommendations

ASE response to Royal Society Call for Views on Mathematical Futures

January 2021 - We share our submission to the Royal Society's call for views on the role and future of mathematical education.

ASE response to two recent proposals from Ofqual and OCR

July 2020 - We share our submission to Ofqual, regarding the proposed assessment of GCSEs and A Levels in 2021, and OCR's proposed Natural History GCSE qualification...

Awarding of GCSE & GCE Grades for 2020 - official ASE response to Ofqual consultation

April 2020 - We share our submission to Ofqual, along with details of two upcoming Association For Science Education online events we've organised for members relating dirctly to the issue of exam-less assessment...

ASE response to impending indefinite closure of all UK schools

March 2020 - CEO Hannah Russell responds to government decision that all schools will close for duration of the Coronavirus crisis.