The University of Glasgow, in partnership with the Royal Society of Chemistry, are undertaking a longitudinal research project to understand regional inequality in educational outcomes, in particular the geographical disparity in experience and attainment between urban and rural secondary schools in Scotland.

“In 2020, 47.4% of leavers from Scotland’s large urban areas went on to higher education, but for young people from remote small towns that figure is just 36.9%. Those from remote areas are significantly more likely to go straight into employment after school than students from other parts of Scotland. In terms of attainment statistics, these show fewer than 60% of leavers from small towns have at least one qualification at level six, once again the lowest of all six categories.” McEnaney, J 2021, p.86, Class rules The truth about Scottish schools, Luath press limited, Edinburgh. 

The purpose of this particular study is to explore any structural issues in urban and rural secondary schools in Scotland, which may impact on the educational outcomes of practical chemistry teaching. In addition to making these results public, it is hoped to implement recommendations based on the voice of the participants that will support both teachers and Heads of Science/Chemistry, and, in turn, enhance the learning for all pupils in Scotland.

First-hand knowledge and original insights from both Teachers and from Heads of Science/Chemistry in Scottish secondary schools will inform the research recommendations. Both surveys are anonymous and will take approximately 10 minutes to complete.

Survey Link for Chemistry Teachers in Secondary Schools in Scotland 

Survey Link for Heads of Science/Chemistry in Secondary Schools in Scotland 

Thank you for your time and for sharing your experience.  Hopefully these surveys are the beginning of a much larger conversation about practical chemistry education in Scotland (and in the UK).