Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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315. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps being taken to promote the study of physics in second level schools and as a degree subject in third level institutions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31482/14]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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The NCCA has recently provided me with a new specification for Leaving Certificate Physics. The NCCA has notified the Department that before the specification is made available to all schools that it will trial, in particular the proposed new practical examination. It is expected that the new Physics specification, when it is introduced, will not only attract more higher level students but it is hoped that it will also attract more girls and more students to study Physics at Ordinary level.

The new Junior Cycle Science specification will be implemented in schools from September 2015. This will form a firm foundation for the sciences at senior cycle. There is a significant overlap between the developments in the sciences at Junior Cycle and Senior Cycle. Thus the CPD provided for Junior Cycle Science from this autumn will also start to prepare science teachers for the changes which will follow in the Leaving Certificate sciences. There will be many synergies between the two and there is a natural progression. Of course there will be dedicated CPD provided to Leaving Certificate science teachers to prepare them to introduce the new specifications not only in Physics but also in Chemistry and Biology. A unified CPD strategy will support a consistent experience of teaching and learning in the science curricula throughout post-primary education.

The issue of transition from second level to third level is a complex one. My Department is currently leading the work of the Transitions Steering Group which involves the HEA, the NCCA, the SEC and other key stakeholders, working to develop a strategic, systemic response. The Group is focussing on three key themes: predictability and grade banding in the Leaving Certificate and broadening entry routes to third level. The STEM agenda is a high priority with the Higher Education and just last week SFI announced further funding to attract top class world scientists to work in our third level institutions. Such initiatives will also attract students to study under such world experts.