Current education system 'needs an overhaul'
The current education system will no longer be "fit for purpose" in 20 years' time, according to a new study published by the Royal Society.
To ensure this does not happen, the report urges the government to create a new baccalaureate-style qualification that would effectively replace A-levels.
The Royal Society goes further and advises that all students should study science and maths until the age of 18, stating that these key disciplines are at the "heart of modern life".
Sir Martin Taylor FRS, chair of the Royal Society’s Vision Committee, said that science and mathematics are vital to how we understand the world, "whether that is knowing where the energy that powers our homes comes from" or making sense of the latest evidence on climate change.
"Too many people in the UK are mathematically and scientifically illiterate," he continued. "Our vision aims to raise the general level of mathematical and scientific knowledge and confidence in the population.
"We want to link people’s learning and skills to the current and future needs of the economy."
Sir Martin added that the analytical and problem-solving skills that come with studying mathematics and science are highly sought after by employers and therefore a stable education system that builds on this is needed now more than ever.
The Royal Society calls for the status of teaching to be raised, and for there to be more support to boost professionalism in teaching. This would be achieved through subject-specific development, which the Royal Society said "should be a requirement for career progression".
Other problems with the current education system identified by the authors of the report, which included scientists, education experts, teachers and a former secretary of state for education, include having to deal with constant changes to the curriculum.
Time spent on this should be redirected towards professional development, as well as towards planning, ensuring that current and future teachers are able to deliver innovative, engaging and interesting lessons.
