Product category:
Education, Training, Courses
News Release from: Chemical Business Association
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 07 May 2007
CBA requests a renaissance in chemistry
education
The Chairman of the CBA, Ken Gilkes of Stort Chemicals, has called for a renaissance in chemistry education in order to meet the future needs of society and the chemical industry
Addressing more than 1,200 representatives of member companies and their guests at the CBA Annual Lunch at the Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London, he also called on member companies to financially support the CBA education initiative for primary schools - 'Chemistry with Cabbage' "Chemistry is vital and to persuade our young people to take an interest in it is essential for the future well-being of our industry
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 25 May 2007 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
UK chemical distribution safety record for 2006
A new report from the Chemical Business Association (CBA) report reveals a 'mixed' picture of the chemical distribution industry safety, health and environmental performance in 2006
CBA launches new report on Logistics sector
The Chemical Business Association (CBA) reports on the health, safety and environmental performance of the companies providing logistics support to the UK chemical distribution industry
To achieve this, youngsters must be enthused by chemistry as a subject - so cultivating interest at primary school age is critical," he said.
The CBA has expressed its deep concern about the trends in science education - particularly relating to chemistry.
The number of secondary school students taking chemistry has fallen by 37% in the last ten years.
This means that almost 15,000 fewer students have taken the subject.
The figures for the decline in students taking physics are even worse.
Universities have suffered the knock-on effect with a decline in students taking physics and chemistry causing the closure of many university science departments.
Ken Gilkes told his audience that CBA award-winning 'Chemistry with Cabbage' initiative was designed to encourage an interest in chemistry by providing 'hands-on' workshops using familiar chemicals found in every home - such as sugar, soap and vinegar.
Each year, 'Chemistry with Cabbage' delivered workshops to more that 2,500 pupils in over 80 schools in the North West and South of England.
"A small number of CBA members have generously funded 'Chemistry with Cabbage' over the last eight years in the North West and South of England.
But I would like to give a lot more nine to eleven year-olds in other parts of the UK the chance to take part in this programme, so I have written to all CBA members to ask if they would financially support this initiative on a national basis," he said.
• Chemical Business Association: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Processingtalk email newsletter
• Processingtalk Home Page
