Olivia Mitchell
Question:141 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to increase participation at second level in science subjects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3333/00]
Written Answers. - Science Programme.
At junior certificate the level of participation in science is very satisfactory, with 89.6% of the cohort studying the subject.
At leaving certificate the level of participation in biology is also very satisfactory, with 48.8% of the cohort studying the subject. This level of participation is high by international standards. In Scotland, for example, about one third of senior pupils study biology.
The issue of the uptake of the physical science subjects at leaving certificate level is a matter of concern to me. The underlying causes of the declining uptake of the physical sciences at leaving certificate level are complex and Ireland is by no means unique in relation to this particular problem. It affects most countries in the developed world to a greater or lesser extent.
My Department is at present implementing a special science initiative to improve the participation rates in physics and chemistry. This initiative includes the following elements: revised syllabi in leaving certificate physics and leaving certificate chemistry are being introduced from next September, along with teachers' guidelines and reference handbooks; a review of the junior certificate science syllabus is being undertaken by the NCCA at present; a new physical science syllabus to replace the combined physics and chemistry syllabus, is being prepared by the NCCA at present.
The accessibility of ordinary level examination papers in junior certificate science and in leaving certificate physics and chemistry has been addressed. A new format examination paper in junior certificate science will be introduced in this year's examination. The structure and layout of questions in leaving certificate physics and chemistry was initially addressed in the 1999 examination papers and it is intended that further progress will be made in this year's papers. This was undertaken to improve the accessibility of these examinations to candidates. Sample materials in relation to adjustments to these papers have been circulated to schools.
A comprehensive in-career development programme for teachers of physics and chemistry at both leaving certificate and junior certificate levels is being implemented. All teachers of leaving certificate physics and chemistry have been provided with one day of in-service and a further one and a half days will be provided before the end of this school year.
Increased provision for pre-service training for teachers of physics and chemistry is being introduced.
A significant refurbishment programme for school laboratories is under way.
A special per capita grant of £10 for pupils studying each of the three leaving certificate subjects physics, chemistry and physics and chemistry, has been paid. This will now be an annual grant.
I am confident this initiative will make a significant contribution to addressing the issue of falling participation levels in the physical sciences. I am very conscious of the importance of these subjects in the context of our economic development and my Department will continue to keep the situation in relation to these subjects under review.