David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 94: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she is satisfied that all second level students at junior cycle level have the opportunity to carry out experiments as part of the junior certificate science curriculum; if she is further satisfied that practical science experiments are being carried out in science rooms and laboratories; if she is satisfied that all schools have the necessary resources to enable such experiments to be carried out in a safe and effective manner; her views on the importance or otherwise of science experiments being carried out by students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40179/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Student practical work has been a major feature of science syllabi at both junior and senior cycle levels for many years and science teachers have long experience of conducting practical work with their students. Until 2006, practical work was assessed only through the medium of written papers in the Certificate examinations.

The revised Junior Certificate Science syllabus which was examined for the first time in 2006 aims to make the subject more relevant to students' needs in the twenty-first century and to provide the students with a richer educational experience. In this regard, a second assessment component was introduced to allow students to obtain recognition for the practical work they have carried out in the laboratory. In all, 35% of the marks in the final examination are available for this work.

The introduction of the revised Junior Certificate science syllabus has been supported by a comprehensive in-career development programme for teachers. This has focused on supporting teachers in providing students with an appropriate experience of practical work. In this context, due regard was given to health and safety issues where appropriate. In addition, the Department has provided substantial equipment grants to schools. All schools in the Free Education Scheme were provided with a grant of €3,500 for each junior science laboratory and those which had not had a major capital upgrading since 1995 were invited to apply for an enhanced grant on the basis of their identified needs. In total, some €16 million was made available to schools in 2004 for the purchase of equipment and the refurbishment of school laboratories to facilitate the introduction of the revised syllabus.

The Inspectorate of my Department is currently implementing a comprehensive programme of evaluation in schools. This programme is designed to identify and affirm good practice while constructively identifying areas for improvement in the implementation of the curriculum. In the case of the sciences, the provision of appropriate practical activities for students is one aspect of the evaluation process. The Inspectorate will publish a composite report on the teaching and learning of Science in the junior cycle early in 2007.

My Department is fully committed to strengthening the quality of science teaching and learning, promoting increased scientific literacy and encouraging more students to choose science subjects. Progress in these areas is a vitally important part of our national strategy to support competitiveness and employment.