Maths, science, results and discipline priorities in 2012

Released 02/09/2011

Research suggests that mathematics, science, results and discipline will be the top priorities for school next year

There is also speculation that creativity in the school syllabus may become a key area for debate in 2012

A study conducted by Encyclopædia Britannica suggests that in 2012, schools will focus primarily upon raising exam results, maths, science and school discipline as their main concerns for the new academic year.

The results demonstrated that 24% of people believe that discipline will be the single biggest issue for 2012, 16% of people think that results will dominate the school agenda and 10% of people believing that the encouragement of maths and science will be the main focus.

The integration of technology into school practice will also feature prominently, as mobile learning, educational apps, smart devices and netbooks will become more popular with teachers and students – schools are also expected to invest more in ICT infrastructure.

There is also speculation that creativity in the school syllabus may become a key area for debate in 2012.

Furthermore, nearly one in 10 believe that for many schools the movement to academy status will dominate education, while the adoption of the International Baccalaureate - which encourages pupils to focus on five key disciplines as well as reforming school career advice will be focus areas for school managers this year.

Caroline Kennard, Director of Education at Encyclopædia Britannica, said: “2012 is set to be a very important year in the education sector. As teachers and students return to the classroom on Monday, many schools throughout the country are facing the familiar pressures of managing squeezed budgets and overcrowded timetables, while trying to raise standards.”

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