APPENDIX 22
Memorandum submitted by the Institute
of Materials
The Institute of Materials has been concerned
for some time with the extent to which interest in science subjects
has declined, and this has adversely affected the number of entrants
seeking further education in technology subjects.
Materials-related industries within the UK across
a wide range of size and diversity of product area are reporting
a worrying shortage of technology students both entering and leaving
post school education. A common concern voiced from young people
and their parents is the apparent failure of the existing science
curriculum to adequately relate to everyday life. Courses are
considered too abstract and lack excitement as well as relevance.
The facilities available for teachers in schools to demonstrate
the science curricula is inadequate, ageing and often fails to
work properly.
Significantly, the materials content embodied
within most physics, chemistry and to some extent biology curricula
has the potential to establish practical relevance but unfortunately
this theme is disparate, lacks co-ordination and lacks appropriate
resourcing.
To correct this imbalance you should be aware
that the Institute of Materials is making a positive commitment
to propose, resource and develop a new AS and A level in Materials
Science. Such topics as biomaterials covering the science and
technology of artificial hips and arteries, electronic materials
for computing, communication and mobile phones, and new materials
for sporting applications will be highlighted within the proposed
curricula. This new course will span elements of both science
and technology but would be relevant for design, engineering and
medicine courses at university and college. It would be appropriate
that the Committee is aware of this new proposal, which thus far
has received positive encouragement from industry, school teaching
staff and regulatory boards and would help to invigorate interest
in science-based subjects.
February 2002
| 
