Science Learning Centres
The national network of Science Learning Centres provide high quality professional development for all those involved in science education, in primary and secondary schools and FE colleges. There are nine regional centres in England, and a National Centre based at the University of York to serve all of the UK. The Centres support teachers in enhancing their professional skills by learning more about contemporary scientific ideas and in experimenting with effective teaching approaches and gaining experience of modern scientific techniques.
The aim is to improve science teaching, raise morale in the teaching profession and to inspire pupils by providing them with a more exciting, intellectually stimulating and relevant science education, enabling them to gain the knowledge and the understanding they need - both as the citizens and as the scientists and engineers of the future.
Dr Catherine Aldridge
Catherine Aldridge is Network Project Director for the Science Learning Centres. She initiates and manages national programmes on behalf of all ten Science Learning Centres. Previously she was the founding Director of Science Learning Centre South West and Director of Exhibitions, Education and Programmes at the award winning science centre At-Bristol.
She brings considerable experience of devising science education and communication projects and programmes from touring school science shows in the Highlands to developing major new exhibitions. Catherine often brings together people of different backgrounds and disciplines to engage the wider public with science and engineering.