Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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214. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether the reduction in hours of class contact time for science in the proposed new junior cycle from 240-270 hours to 200 hours is a step backwards for our second level students; and if not, the reason he believes this is not the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27131/14]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The new specifications for all subjects in the new Junior Cycle will state a minimum time for the delivery of the subject. This will be 200 hours for science and other subjects apart from English, Irish and Maths. This is not a maximum or target time and is intended to give schools flexibility to plan a Junior Cycle Programme that will meet the educational needs of their students. Schools will decide what mix of subjects, short courses and other learning experiences will enable their students to meet the requirements of the 24 Statements of Learning, including those related to science education.

This approach provides an opportunity to enhance provision for Science Education at Junior Cycle. The specification for Science will give schools the freedom to provide more time for Science if they deem it appropriate, or to provide short courses or learning experiences such as involvement in the Young Scientist and Technology competition or SciFest. A greater focus in other subjects on key skills such as managing information and thinking will also support the development of science-related skills and aptitudes. All second year students will also take standardised tests in scientific literacy from spring 2018.