Vol. 427 No. 6
297 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Education if she has studied the recommendations appertaining to the introduction of primary science education in our schools; her view on the rationale for the inclusion of this subject on the primary school curriculum; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The Green Paper, Education for a Changing World, taking account of the recommendations of the Review Body on the Primary School Curriculum, contains proposals in regard to science in the primary school.
The rationale for a science programme in primary schools includes the desirability of providing primary school pupils with an introduction to understanding the scientific and technological basis of their environment and surroundings and of developing a scientific approach to problem solving. Such a programme would have to be suitable for the ages and level of maturity of the pupils.
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment has the task of advising me as to the aims, structure and content of the primary school curriculum.
