The national network of Science Learning Centres aims to raise the quality of science teaching from Key Stage 1 through post-16 (ages 5-19). Short courses are provided locally through the regional Science Learning Centres and longer, more intensive programmes are available at the National Science Learning Centre in York. There are a growing number of science courses available, and schools and colleges are diversifying the range of options to meet the needs of their students. Vocational courses are increasingly popular and provide a real life context and focus for the teaching and learning of science. This year, in response to demand from schools and colleges, the regional programme contains two brand new courses that focus on teaching Applied Sciences. In addition to the regional courses, the National Science Learning Centre also runs a two-part course, Successful Vocational and Applied Pathways (14-19 Science), which helps teachers leading vocational courses to identify and develop teaching strategies needed for vocationally-orientated curricula.