Calls for extra training for Welsh science teachers

Science teachers in Welsh secondary schools may be equipped with extra training following calls from Estyn, the country's inspectorate.

Dr Bill Maxwell, Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales, said: "Wales needs to ensure that its future generations are able to supply its needs for science and technology specialists - improvements in science education are recognised as being central to addressing these challenges," reports the Daily Post.

In a report, Estyn noted that science standards are not up to the same level as the other core subjects in secondary schools.

The watchdog suggested that more training opportunities for teachers could serve to improve these standards.

It argued that there is a special need to train teachers who do not specialise in physics, as well as to attract more people to physics teaching with incentives.

This week, a spokesperson for the Training and Development Agency for Schools said that new maths and science secondary school teachers in England have the chance to benefit from a £5,000 "golden hello".