Deirdre Clune
Question:298 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps, if any, he has taken to encourage the uptake of science subjects in schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25839/99]
Written Answers - Science Uptake.
As part of the revised primary school curriculum – 1999 – all teachers in national schools have recently been issued with a new pro gramme in science. This is set out in the form of two booklets – a curriculum statement, incorporating the aims and content objectives for each class level, and guidelines for teachers on the teaching of the subject. The new science programme comprises four interlinked strands, namely: (1) living things; (2) energy and forces; (3) materials; and (4) environmental care.
The implementation of the revised curriculum will be on a phased basis over four to five years and will be supported by a comprehensive programme of in-career professional development for teachers. It has been decided that schools will be free to introduce subject areas as they see fit, taking account of the expertise and interests of their staffs. In order to encourage schools to incorporate science in their curriculum, I have recently announced a new grants' scheme for the teaching of science in primary schools.
The issue of the uptake of the physical science subjects at leaving certificate level has been a matter of concern to me for some time. 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. In fact, it affects most countries in the developed world to a greater or lesser extent.
Last March I announced a wide-ranging initiative to address the issue. The major elements of this initiative are: introduction of revised syllabi in leaving certificate physics and leaving certificate chemistry in September 2000 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 format of examination papers, specifically the structure and layout of questions at junior certificate ordinary level and in leaving certificate physics and chemistry, is being revised at present; a comprehensive in-career development programme for teachers of physics and chemistry at both leaving certificate and junior certificate levels; increased provision for pre-service training for teachers of physics and chemistry; a significant refurbishment programme for school laboratories, and a special per capita grant of £10 for pupils taking leaving certificate physics and leaving certificate chemistry
I am confident that this initiative which is currently being implemented will make a significant contribution to addressing the issue. Funding for this programme is estimated to cost about £15 million.
I am satisfied at the level of participation in science at junior certificate and in biology at leaving certificate.