Department of Education
Perspectives on Science (POS)
Perspectives on Science was originally developed as course leading to an AS level qualification in the history, philosophy and ethics of science. It is now a ‘designed programme’ for the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
In POS, students first follow a course that uses a series of case studies to develop skills in research, communication, argumentation and presentation. Then, under the guidance of their teacher, they undertake an individual project researching a question of their own choosing, and communicate their findings by means of a written dissertation and an oral presentation.
“One of the best courses I have ever done! :-)” POS student
“... a real breath of fresh air in a very stuffy curriculum...”
POS teacher
POS was developed by a team led from Rugby School and the University of York. POS course materials for students and teachers are published by Heinemann, and POS students gain their EP qualifications from Edexcel.
For more about the POS publication.
POS was the subject of an in-depth study carried out by researchers at the Institute of Education, London, in 2007. Download their report:
Science Education Group
Alcuin College
University of York
Heslington
York
YO10 5DDuyseg@york.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0) 1904 322601