Science being filtered out of primary education, CBI finds: A recent study by The Confederation of British Industry has found that science is being filtered out of primary education in the United Kingdom, with 36 per cent of schools admitting to not teaching the subject for the minimum recommendation of 2 hours per week and 7.5 per cent teaching science for less than one hour per week.

Science being filtered out of primary education, CBI finds

On the other hand, the survey found that 20 per cent taught science for over 3 hours every week.

The Confederation of British Industry also found that science is not prioritised in British schools, with 53 per cent of the teachers surveyed claiming that science has gradually become less of a priority over the last 5 years.

Of the 260 teachers questioned, 1 in 3 teachers admitted that they were not confident teaching the subject.

Director general of The Confederation of British Industry, John Cridland said of the report:

“Science education in primary schools is being squeezed out, with over half of teachers believing it has become less of a priority, with too many schools struggling to teach the recommended two hours every week. How can we expect to inspire future generations of scientists and engineers if we don’t deliver high-quality and inspiring science lessons at primary school age? If we are not careful, too many children will have lost interest in science before they hit their teens. A lack of science, technology, engineering and maths skills are already holding back economic growth, and this will only get worse if we don’t energise the next generation. Pupils need innovative, fun lessons with access to the latest science kit and need to break free of the classroom more to visit cutting-edge companies and universities.”