Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 May 1999

Vol. 504 No. 7

Written Answers. - Leaving Certificate Curriculum.

John Perry

Question:

85 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to improve participation at senior cycle level in chemistry and physics; the additional funds which he will provide; when these plans will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12120/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I recently announced a major initiative to enhance the uptake of physics and chemistry in the leaving certificate curriculum. This initiative includes the provision of additional funding – for laboratory resources, a special per capita grant for each pupil studying physics and chemistry at leaving certificate, the production of revised syllabi at both junior and senior level, and the establishment of an extensive in-career development programme for teachers of the physical sciences.

A review of science facilities in all second-level schools has been undertaken and when data from this review have been analysed, schools will receive direct grants to address identified needs. The special per capita grant will be paid from next September. It is intended that the initiative will be implemented over a three year period and funding for the initiative is estimated to amount to some £15 million.

New syllabi in leaving certificate physics and leaving certificate chemistry have been finalised and will be sent to schools in September and will be introduced in September 2000 for first examination in June 2002. The revision of the junior certificate science syllabus is currently under way and it intended that it will be completed this summer. Work on revising the format of the ordinary level papers for both junior certificate and leaving certificate, based on the current syllabi, is also under way and samples of these papers will be sent to schools early in the new school year. The revised format papers will be introduced in the certificate examinations in June 2000.

The in-career development programme will be introduced early in the next school year. Currently, a training of trainers course is being drawn up and this course will take place in June. Subsequently, a team of trainers will be established on a regional basis to assist teachers in the introduction of the new syllabi.

I am very conscious of the important contribution of the physical sciences to the development of our increasingly high-skills economy and I am confident that the wide range of measures being implemented in this initiative will make a significant contribution to increasing the numbers of pupils studying physics and chemistry.