At the request of the Dutch Ministry of Education and Science the Committee on Renewal of Chemistry in Upper Secondary Education, chaired by Prof. Dr. Gerard van Koten, has published its recommendations for an new chemistry programme for upper secondary education in 2003.

The Committee advocates a context-and-concept approach as a continuous learning line. The Committee recommends the foundation for an examination programme framework, that gives teachers as well as students leeway for more in-depth and broader study. The new programme is aimed at current and future challenges, innovations and questions in chemistry.

Chemistry takes the lead in renewal of secondary science education in the Netherlands.