Vol. 495 No. 6
11 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether the junior certificate course is a good preparation for the leaving certificate physics and chemistry courses; his views on whether the junior certificate course gives a sufficient number of students the confidence to tackle physics and chemistry at leaving certificate level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20719/98]
In broad terms, the Minister for Education and Science is satisfied that the junior certificate science course forms the basis of a good preparation for those who want to study physics and chemistry at leaving certificate level. However, he is of the view that aspects of the current structure of the junior certificate science syllabus, particularly at higher level, can act as a disincentive to some students, who wish to study one or more science subjects at leaving certificate level, to opt for physics and/or chemistry.
The junior certificate higher level science course has a core element dealing with scientific knowledge, skills, concepts and attitudes as well as physics, chemistry, biology extensions and an applied science extension — six units — or local studies extension.
Given that additional syllabus material in the form of the six applied science units was included in the new syllabus, this led to a reduction in the material in the physics, chemistry and biology extensions. In addition, two of the most popular applied science units, horticulture and food science, are biologically based and are most likely to be taught by science teachers, particularly as most of them would have taken biology to degree level.
Accordingly, the Minister has requested the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment to undertake a review of the structure and content of the junior certificate science syllabus.
The Deputy will also be aware that the Minister has decided to implement a number of initiatives to increase the number of pupils taking physics and chemistry. As the first phase of this, a survey of science laboratories in second level schools is currently under way. In addition, arrangements are being put in place for the introduction of new syllabi from next year.
I thank the Minister of State for the reply. How many students took physics and chemistry in the junior certificate this year? How many students who took physics and chemistry in the leaving certificate this year took those subjects in the junior certificate? In other words, does the Department monitor the number of students who take physics and chemistry in the junior certificate but do not take those subjects in the leaving certificate?
I am almost certain we have that information and I will undertake to have it sent to the Deputy without delay.
When was the last review of the senior level science syllabus? Is it not the case that many of the science subjects being taught at senior level are obsolete because a review has not taken place for 25 years? Will the Minister of State agree that students are reluctant to take up science courses because of the difficulty of those courses compared to others? The goal seems to be to obtain points and not get an A or B in a science subject.
I thank the Minister for undertaking to provide the figures I requested. Will he also provide the figures for the number of students who obtained high grades in physics and chemistry in the junior certificate but did not pursue those subjects at leaving certificate level? Students can maximise the number of points they get by taking subjects other than science subjects and that is having a detrimental effect in the context of the subjects taken at leaving certificate level.
That is wide of the question before us.
I will provide whatever information is available for Deputy O'Shea. I am almost certain the information requested in his initial question is available. In reply to Deputy Naughten's question, I do not know when the last review was undertaken.
The Minister of State was a younger man then.
I was a much younger man then.
Bring in the history books not the science books.
Since the Deputy mentioned history, the date of the last review is only of historical importance. What is important is what we do now.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.
