Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 100: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he has decided on any curriculum changes; the extent of any such changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14749/11]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 103: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his priorities to improve student participation and performance in science subjects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14752/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 100 and 103 together.

The primary curriculum is currently being reviewed by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment in the context of the forthcoming National Literacy and Numeracy Strategy. The focus of the review will be on how best to enhance children's learning in these areas, provide a clearer delineation of the learning outcomes required, and integrate into the infant cycle the learning experiences from Aistear, the curriculum framework for early childhood education.

In junior cycle, the NCCA will shortly advise me on reforms designed to address curriculum overload and rote learning, and promote creativity and innovation. It is possible that the reforms may provide further scope in the longer term for continued reform in senior cycle, such as the expansion of second assessment components in the examinations to strengthen practical project and portfolio based learning. I have also asked the higher education institutions to examine the scope for reform of the CAO points system to address the negative effects on students' learning in senior cycle.

Reform in mathematics is already under way in junior and senior cycle under the Project Maths initiative which began in all schools in September 2010 building on the experience of 24 schools which began the initiative in 2008. Project Maths is being phased in over a three year period across 5 strands of mathematics.

A revised syllabus in Leaving Certificate Irish began in September 2010 for first examination in 2012. 40% of the marks in the examination will be available for oral assessment. The NCCA has been asked to review the syllabus in the light of students' experience in the first examination.

In science, revised curricula were introduced in 2003 at primary and junior cycle levels. The NCCA is currently engaging in a public consultation process on revised draft syllabuses in Leaving Certificate Biology, Physics and Chemistry prior to submitting its advice to me. A key objective is to strengthen practical investigative and scientific process skills.

The priorities in the period ahead are to strengthen achievement in literacy and numeracy, to implement reforms in maths, Irish and science, and to progress junior cycle reforms. Changes will be supported by appropriate lead in notice and professional development for teachers.

Question No. 101 answered with Question No. 96.