Vol. 517 No. 3
296 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if a smaller proportion of pupils obtained higher grades in leaving certificate physics, chemistry and biology compared to other subjects in each of the past two years. [9739/00]
I have arranged for the Deputy to be provided with a copy of the detailed breakdown of grades awarded in the subjects in question at both higher level and ordinary level and for comparison purposes in each of the leaving certificate examination subjects in 1998 and 1999.
Various comparisons can be made depending on how the term "higher grades" is defined.
297 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science when the last review of the syllabus in physics, chemistry and biology at junior and leaving certificate levels commenced; and the position regarding reforms of the syllabus. [9740/00]
The review of the science subjects, agricultural science, biology, chemistry and physics at leaving certificate level commenced between 1991 and 1992. The revised syllabuses were approved by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment in the mid 1990s but implementation was delayed because the issue of how best to assess practical and process skills in the sciences was unresolved. In the latter context a feasibility study in physics and chemistry and subsequent analysis of its findings took place between 1996 and 1999.
The current status of the revised syllabuses in these subjects is as follows: revised syllabuses in chemistry and physics will be introduced in schools in September 2000; a support service has been in place since September 1999 to provide professional support for schools and teachers in this task. There will be particular emphasis on the practical skills for the new syllabi; a resource-enhancement programme is under way which aims at the provision of a base-level of resources in all schools; the possibility of introducing an effective means of assessment of practical and process skills within the sciences will continue to be explored by my Department.
The NCCA has recommended that the revised syllabuses for agricultural science and biology be introduced to schools in September 2001.
The review of the combined physics-chemistry subject at leaving certificate level commenced in the 1996. The NCCA has approved a draft syllabus for a reconfiguration of this subject and that syllabus will be the subject of a public consultation process to commence this month.
At junior certificate level a review of the subject science commenced in 1998. The NCCA is in the process of completing work on that revision in consultation with the educational partners.
298 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of hours of experience training for secondary teachers in physics, chemistry and biology in each of the past five years; and the proportion of the total in-service training for secondary teachers. [9741/00]
Training events in the three areas concerned were funded by my Department over the years in question, many of which included practical experience. These events were organised by a number of course providers, including the Irish Science Teachers Association, the Royal Irish Academy and the Royal Dublin Society. Data are not readily available to provide the more detailed information requested.
