A novel “Whiteheadean” science program was initiated in England and Wales in September 2006. Following a critical House of
Commons report in 2002, the government altered the National Curriculum targets and thus forced the Examination Boards to alter
their specifications in order to come in line. Assessment at GCSE level (i.e., the 14-16 year cohort) was criticised for:
a) failing to inspire students to continue with science, b) discouraging students from thinking for themselves, c) neglecting
contemporary science, d) lacking flexibility, and e) making practical work into a tedious and dull activity.
The British government has insisted that all pupils in state funded schools must know the names of some modern scientists and their work. They must discuss some current
scientific problems. History and philosophy of science is included under the topic heading “How Science Works.” In Chemistry
these objectives have destroyed the traditional linear top-down sequential approach of teaching into an approach based more
closely on Whiteheadean lines (cf., the ideas expressed in The Aims of Education, 1926, Chapters 1-3).
Keywords A.N. Whitehead - science education - chemical education - context-oriented method - hierarchical-spiral method