Comparison of chemistry curriculum in the educational systems of Iran and the United Kingdom

Document Type : Original research

Authors

Department of Chemistry Education, Farhangian University, P.O. Box 14665-889, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

This research examines and compares the chemistry curriculum in the educational systems of Iran and the United Kingdom. The research method employed is descriptive-analytical and comparative. Science education is one of the significant learning domains in Iran and the United Kingdom, with chemistry being a part of it. The research findings indicate that compulsory science education continues from ages 6 to 18 in Iran and ages 5 to 16 in the United Kingdom. However, students in the UK are encouraged to continue their education until age 18. In the United Kingdom, science is taught as an integrated subject until the end of secondary education (age 16), while in Iran, it is taught until the end of lower secondary education (age 15). Chemistry is taught as a separate subject in upper secondary education in Iran and at the upper secondary level in the United Kingdom. Unlike Iran, where specific scientific content is mandated, the UK curriculum focuses on main concepts and principles without mandating specific educational materials, textbooks, or resources, providing teachers with the freedom to organize their teaching as it seems approprite. The research results show that the chemistry concepts in the Iranian curricula and the United Kingdom have many similarities; however, the Iranian curricula include more extensive chemistry concepts and more complex numerical calculations compared to the United Kingdom. The UK chemistry curriculum is designed to meet the needs of students as informed citizens.

Keywords

Research in Chemistry Education

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 18 August 2024

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