Teacher, classroom, children raising hands

Teaching Policy Advisory Group (TPAG)

The Teaching Policy Advisory Group (TPAG) envisions a future where educators are not only essential members of the biosciences community but also active participants in shaping the policies governing their profession. This group provides a platform for teachers and educators from diverse backgrounds to influence the Royal Society of Biology education policies, share their expertise, and collaboratively address pressing issues in school-level teaching across the UK.

The Royal Society of Biology's education priorities for 2023 - 2028 outline important factors that contribute to excellent biology teaching and learning in the UK, for all students at all levels, and underpinning our policy work:

  • All young people should have an unbroken chain of experts teaching the science disciplines.
  • All young people should experience curricula and assessments which prepare them to be scientifically literate, able to make scientifically informed choices, and ready them for a diverse and evolving world of work.

The Teaching Policy Advisory Group's terms of reference are to:

  • advise RSB on key issues impacting the teaching sector that can be addressed through existing and potential policy positions.
  • advise on the Society's responses to external consultations on teacher training, retention, recruitment, and CPD matters.
  • inform and guide the Teaching Policy Network (see below), ensuring that decisions are based on expert advice and the latest research in education policy.
  • facilitate collaboration among education professionals, allowing them to connect, share insights, and exchange best practices within the teaching community.
  • offer valuable professional development opportunities through webinars, networking events, and consultations, empowering teachers to enhance their skills and knowledge.
  • promote the work and vision of RSB by engaging with teaching gatekeepers and stakeholders, including students, teachers, teacher educators, education researchers, governments, regulators, and awarding bodies.
  • advise the Society's ESP committee on any matters associated with teacher training, retention, recruitment, and CPD.

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The following observers also sit on the committee:

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Contact us

For any questions or more information email education.policy@rsb.org.uk.

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Discover the Teaching Policy Network