Scotland’s school pupils are being denied the science resources they need to match the expectations of the curriculum, a new report has found.
The Learned Societies Group said in its study on science education, due to be published tomorrow, that less was spent per pupil north of the border on science than in England.
The group warned more resources need to be channelled towards science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects, or Scotland risks being left behind.
As part of the report, the Royal Society of Chemistry said every primary school should have access to a science specialist.
The report has been backed by the Scottish Conservatives, arguing the recommendations should be taken on board if Scotland is going to be globally competitive in future.
Scottish Conservative young people spokeswoman Liz Smith MSP said:
“The message on education to the Scottish Government from this group is blunt.
“It is simply unacceptable that so many pupils in Scottish schools do not have available the basic resources they need for the modern science curriculum.
“It is particularly worrying that this is happening at the same time as industry is desperate to find more high quality science graduates and when there is an urgent need to develop the STEM subjects in our schools.
“I particularly welcome the call from the Royal Society of Chemistry to ensure that every primary school has access to a science specialist.
“Together, with the call for more specialist science schools, this is essential if Scotland is to build on her past success in the world of science and make the nation more globally competitive in the years ahead.”