The Charles Darwin Forum is currently developing and testing one- and two-day INSET programmes for Key Stage 3 teachers. The aim of these first Science Enquiry programmes will be to address the loss of interest in science, particularly amongst pupils in the early years of secondary education.

Initial courses will offer teachers inspiration and practical ways to facilitate investigations that focus on Darwin's work. Links are made between topics Darwin explored in his garden and local area and teachers' use of their own school grounds and environments. Several programmes will be held in the gardens of Down House by kind permission of English Heritage.

Each INSET day will include practical classroom demonstrations by an experienced teacher trainer. Teachers will be provided with appropriate resources but they will also be encouraged to discuss and adapt them to fit lesson plans and learning structures when they return to school. There will be a follow-up day for each INSET to provide continuing professional development for attending teachers.