Bernard J. Durkan
Question:157 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will take action to encourage students to pursue the science and maths subjects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28417/01]
Written Answers. - School Curriculum.
The importance of science, mathematics as the educational foundation to the development of a high-skill, knowledge-based economy is recognised by this Government. Increasing participation rates at second and third levels in these subject areas, and in particular the physical sciences, is essential for our citizens to participate fully in a knowledge-based society as well as to support further economic development. In recognition of this a number of measures have been taken to support these subjects in the curriculum.
The uptake of science in the junior cycle has remained constant at just under 90% for a number of years. At leaving certificate level the uptake of biology was reasonably constant for many years but more recently has shown a decline. The uptake of the physical sciences has been in decline for many years, a situation that obtains in most developed countries.
The decline in participation rates in the physical sciences is a multifaceted problem. Curricular content at junior and leaving certificate level, teaching, laboratory equipment and practical work, examination papers, parental influence, peer pressure, perceptions regarding points, awareness of career options and career aspirations and other social issues all impact on the uptake of these subjects.
The complex interplay of these factors will doubtless vary from school to school. It is also worth noting that the trend observed in the uptake of the physical sciences in Ireland is mirrored internationally. Consequently, intervention in a meaningful way to arrest the trends in uptake in these subjects represents a major challenge, not only to my Department and to the second and third level education sectors, but also to the industrial sector, which depends on a well-educated population in these subject areas.
I have undertaken the following steps to address the decline in the uptake of the sciences, particularly the physical sciences, at senior cycle. I have established a task force on the uptake of the physical sciences at both second and third levels. The brief of the task force is to identify the issues contributing to the falling uptake of the physical sciences and to recommend additional measures to address these issues. I await with interest the recommendations of the task force, which are expected early next year.
Under the terms of the three year, £15 million, physical sciences initiative announced in March 1999 the following actions have and are been taken. Revised syllabi in leaving certificate physics and leaving certificate chemistry were introduced in September 2000 for first examination in June 2002. A new format of examination paper in ordinary level junior certificate science was introduced in the 2000 examination. New structures for the examination papers in leaving certificate physics and leaving certificate chemistry will be introduced for the first examination of the new syllabi in these subjects next June. These new structures build on improvements introduced in the ordinary level papers in these subjects over the last three years.
A comprehensive in-career development programme for teachers of physics and chemistry was put in place in September 1999 and is designed to run for three years. Additional grants for the purchase of laboratory equipment, including ICT equipment, are being provided to schools. Schools that currently have a capital project in architectural planning will have their science laboratories upgraded as an integral element of the capital project.
An additional annual per capita grant of £10 is being provided to schools for pupils taking physical science subjects at leaving certificate level. A revised structure for the junior certificate science syllabus is under consideration by an NCCA course committee. This revision is giving particular attention to the physics and chemistry content of the course. A new biology syllabus will be introduced in September 2002 for first examination in June 2004. An in-career development programme for teachers of biology has been put in place in the current school year to support the introduction of the new syllabus.
The number of students studying mathematics in schools is not an immediate cause for concern. Although mathematics is not a compulsory sub ject on the senior cycle curriculum, the reality is that both employers and third level institutions hold the subject in such high regard that it is treated as a core subject in schools. In 2001, according to the latest available figures 97% of leaving certificate candidates took mathematics. This figure does not include leaving certificate applied candidates all of whom study mathematical applications.
Notwithstanding the above, I am keen to promote mathematics and increase the numbers of candidates taking the subject, particularly at higher level.
A revised syllabus at junior certificate level has been introduced and will be examined for the first time in 2003. The introduction of this syllabus is supported by a substantial programme of inservice for the teachers concerned. A major focus of this in-service is the promotion of a more student-centred and active-learning approach to mathematics, with a view to increasing student engagement with the subject and the development of a greater appreciation for mathematics. The use of calculators in the junior certificate examination will be permitted for the first time in 2003 and my Department will shortly issue detailed guidelines for schools on the use of calculators.
Applied mathematics is also offered at leaving certificate level. The NCCA intends to initiate a review of that syllabus during the current academic year In recognition of the importance of this subject and following the review, appropriate measures will be put in place to support the introduction and success of the new syllabus.
These measures, and measures which will be taken in due course, in response to the findings of the task force on the physical sciences will all contribute favourably to addressing the concerns raised by the Deputy.
Question No. 158 answered with Question No. 145.