Friday, 02 September 2011 00:00 Improving discipline in schools, raising exam results and an increased emphasis on Maths and Science will be the biggest trends in education in 2012, according to a study conducted by Encyclopædia Britannica.

With this year's A-level and GCSE results showing continuing improvement and a significant increase in the number of learners taking separate sciences, it may come as little surprise to find that many people believe that achieving even better exam results (16 per cent) and encouraging students to focus on Maths and Science (10 per cent) will be top priorities in the coming school year.

The research also reveals the strong belief that the revolution in technology will continue to be one of the most important themes for schools. Mobile learning, including educational apps, smart devices and netbooks will become more popular with teachers and students, while schools will also invest more in ICT infrastructure.

Some long persisting issues will once again feature prominently in 2012. Nearly a quarter (24 per cent) of people believe discipline will be the single biggest issue that schools face in the coming year.

Increasing parental engagement, developing a more creative curriculum and providing more career advice to students are also some of the top predicted trends in education in 2012.

Caroline Kennard, director of education at Encyclopædia Britannica, said" "2012 is set to be a very important year in the education sector. As teachers and students return to the classroom on Monday, many schools throughout the country are facing the familiar pressures of managing squeezed budgets and overcrowded timetables, while trying to raise standards.

"But as our research suggests, 2012 presents our schools with a number of exciting opportunities. With both Science and Maths improving in popularity for A-levels and GCSEs, combined with the rapid development of classroom technology, Britannica is excited that in today's climate, schools will have a unique opportunity to benefit fully from the digital revolution."

Apostolos Kostoulas