ST Vision

This project aims to set out a vision for how Uganda can develop an inspiring and high performing science and mathematics education system over the next 40 years.

The work is led by a committee of eminent science educators which is asking questions about our educational institutions, teaching workforce, curriculum, assessment and accountability mechanisms. The world in 2030 will be very different to that of today. Major changes in population numbers, the environment and new technologies are likely. People with relevant skills and knowledge will be better equipped to adapt to this uncertain future.

As we depend on science and technology more and more, people will increasingly need a scientific understanding in order to take part in democratic decision-making and our shared culture.

This project will set out the essential features of a future world-class, high-performing education system for science and mathematics in order to prepare young people for the future.

Background

The world in 2040 is likely to be very different from that of today. Major changes are likely to take place over the next decades in terms of human population numbers and lifespan, the environment and new technologies. Individuals with relevant skills and knowledge will be better equipped to adapt to this uncertain future.

The "Vision Committee" believes that being informed about science and mathematics is part of our culture. The democratic process should enable citizens to participate fully in a society which is increasingly influenced by scientific understanding and the creation and use of technology.

Evidence-based and taking into account a broad range of stakeholders’ views, the vision will set out the essential features of a future world-class, high-performing education system, particularly with respect to science and mathematics.

Research

As part of the evidence base, we intend to commission a range of research covering a number key areas. The aim of the research is both to review the current landscape and help us understand how best we can achieve the Vision Committee’s vision. This research will form part of the final report, due to be published in before the end of 2014.

Principles

The Committee believes that three elements are at the heart of an inspirational education system:


 * 1) An excellent teaching profession is at the heart of an inspirational education system: Uganda needs a high-status teaching profession in which schools and colleges have specialist science and mathematics teachers, qualified in their specialist subject. Their professional development should be both a right and a pathway to clearly defined satisfaction and progression in their careers.
 * 2) Learning and active involvement with science and mathematics supports the development of informed and engaged citizens: Students of all abilities should study science and mathematics, including experimental science, as part of a broad range of subjects, including arts and humanities until they are 18. That curriculum should draw on the expertise of subject communities, employers and higher education. All students deserve the right to experience education in science and mathematics in informal settings, for example inside and outside school and in museums and field study centres. Careers advice should have a more prominent profile with relevant and timely advice embedded into school and college life.
 * 3) Assessment and accountability systems must recognise the whole child – the learners’ all-round development: Assessment should reward understanding and application in addition to recall of content, and encourage exploration, curiosity and practical scientific investigation. Moreover, assessment and accountability systems must recognise learners’ all-round development, not just their ability to pass examinations.

--Vkizza 14:24, 18 September 2013 (UTC)