The Australian Academy of Science released in December 2012 the “Physics Decadal Plan (PDF, 7.9MB) 2012-2021 – Building excellence in physics, underpinning Australia’s future”. Some of the key findings relevant to the K-12 school sector which are described in the plan include:
1. “Addressing the need to improve teaching of physics at all school levels is a fundamental requirement for achieving a physics-informed government, workforce and community. To ensure a steady supply of physicists in the immediate future, there is a need to improve the recognition of the contribution made by teachers in nurturing a passion for physics in the next generations. It is essential that physics be taught by well-trained and enthusiastic teachers properly supported with the resources needed to do their job. A focus on teaching physics topics in primary school and the early middle school years is also required to reverse the current trend of lower performance of girls in physics and mathematics. Invigoration of primary and secondary school sector physics education, combined with appropriate mathematics education, will magnify the competency and motivation of school students to study physics at tertiary level. This in turn will to lead to higher availability of skilled graduates for the higher education and research sector, industry, business and government.”
2. “There is a worrying decline in the uptake of physics by students at secondary level. This decadal plan suggests the introduction of a requirement that secondary school teachers are trained in physics to three years above the highest level at which they are required to teach it. This is so that physics teachers will have a perspective to inspire students to studies beyond the level at which they are being taught. Physics teachers must also be properly supported with the resources needed to do their job, and appropriate recognition must be given for the contribution made by teachers to nurturing a passion for physics in the next generations.”