Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:19 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to increase participation at second level in science subjects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19995/99]
Written Answers. - School Curriculum.
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 wideranging initiative to address the issue. The major elements of this initiative are: the 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 by the NCCA; a new physical science syllabus to replace the present combined physics and chemistry syllabus, is being prepared by the NCCA; the format of examination papers, specifically the structure and layout of question at junior certificate ordinary level and in leaving certificate physics and chemistry, is being revised; 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 will make a significant contribution to addressing the decline in uptake in the physical sciences at leaving certificate level. I am satisfied at the level of participation in science at junior certificate and in biology at leaving certificate.
I am very conscious of the importance of these subjects in the context of our economic develop ment and my Department will continue to keep the situation in relation to these subjects under review.