Louis J. Belton
Question:122 Mr. Belton asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding availability of science graduates for teaching; and the steps he will take in this matter. [22942/01]
Written Answers. - Science Teaching.
There are two principal routes to qualification as a science teacher. The first route is the concurrent model, which comprises the B.Sc. in Science Education at Dublin City University and the B.Sc. (Education) in Biological Sciences and B.Sc. in Physical Sciences at the University of Limerick. In 2002, the University of Limerick also launched a B.Sc. in Physical Education with a chemistry elective.
The main route for qualification is via the consecutive model, whereby students gain a relevant primary degree followed by a Higher Diploma in Education, HDip. The HDip is a one year postgraduate qualification programme which is offered by five universities: Trinity College Dublin and the four constituent universities of the National University of Ireland at Cork, Dublin, Galway and Maynooth.
My Department is continuing to monitor overall supply and demand in relation to second level teachers, and also any shortages which may arise in particular subject areas. In October 2000 I established the task force on the physical sciences which is examining issues in relation to the declining uptake of the physical sciences at second and third level. The task force submitted its interim report to me in July 2001 and I expect the task force to submit its final report to me in early 2002. I understand the task force is addressing a range of issues in relation to the teaching of science at second level.