Vol. 559 No. 6
56 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science if it is intended to implement the recommendation of the task force on physical sciences that science should be a compulsory subject for all junior certificate students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26714/02]
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment advises on the curriculum for primary and post-primary schools. Science is now a part of the curriculum for all primary school students. The vast majority of students – 89% – take science as part of their junior cycle course. There are only five small schools that do not offer science as part of the junior certificate programme. The NCCA, in its interim report on the review of junior cycle published in 1998, advised that all students should study science in the future. To this end, the NCCA has just completed its review of junior cycle science. I understand that a new, more attractive science syllabus will be presented to my Department shortly for its approval.
