Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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190. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if an increase of educational funding will be allocated to the areas of science and mathematics (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18027/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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At primary level I have prioritized work in mathematics. At post primary, I have prioritised work in both mathematics and science. I will summarise the work that is currently in hand.

In fact, this year at primary level, the NCCA is developing draft components of a new Primary Mathematics curriculum for junior infants to 2nd class to support their consultation process in this area. Work on the review of primary science will happen at a later stage since the review of all aspects of the primary curriculum is being done on a phased basis.

In January this year, I launched the performance report on the 2014 National Assessments of English and Reading and Mathematics which was prepared by the Educational Research Centre. Their study of 8000 pupils in 150 primary schools found that overall performance in reading and mathematics in second and sixth classes was significantly higher than for the 2009 assessments. These are the first significant improvements in over 30 years. Such improvements are to be welcomed.

Significant system developments have been introduced in the primary school system to promote teaching and learning in Mathematics for boys and girls including standardised national assessments of reading and mathematics introduced in 2007. These now happen at 2nd, 4th and 6th classes; the National strategy to improve literacy and numeracy introduced in 2011 and School self-evaluation guidelines for primary schools published in 2012.

TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Studies) is a project of the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). It is designed to assess the mathematics and science achievement of fourth class pupils. In 2011, Ireland took part in TIMSS for the first time since 1995.

There are many initiatives in place to promote interest in science and mathematics. Scoilnet is the Department of Education and Skills (DES) official portal for Irish education. The website is managed by Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST) in Education on behalf of the DES. The Sci-Spy Initiative which is a section of this website is aimed at primary students in 5th and 6th classes.

Science Week Ireland is an annual event established to promote the relevance of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) in our everyday lives. It is coordinated by SFI Discover, the education-outreach programme of Science

In relation to post-primary, Dr Travers, in his February report, recommended that implementation of Junior Cycle science be postponed from September 2015 to September 2016. Currently over 90% of students take Junior Cycle science. It is expected that the vast majority will continue to do so. A range of comprehensive continuing professional development (CPD) will be provided for teachers of junior cycle science through the dedicated JCT service.

The NCCA has provided me with new specifications for Leaving Certificate Physics, Chemistry and Biology. The NCCA has notified the Department that before the specifications are made available to all schools that it, working with the SEC and my Department, will trial, in particular the proposed new practical examinations.

Work is currently underway on revising Leaving Certificate Agricultural Science and Applied Mathematics.

New syllabuses are in place at both junior and senior cycles for Mathematics, often called "project mathematics". Since 2010, the Project Maths Development Team, www.projectmaths.ie, a support service funded by my Department provides a range of professional development supports including workshops, and resources for 6,000 post-primary teachers of mathematics across the country.

Since 2012, the Professional Diploma in Mathematics for Teaching, a blended learning, two year part-time programme Professional Diploma in Mathematics for Teaching has been made available nationwide and free of charge, to assist 'out-of-field' teachers to acquire skills for effective mathematics teaching and to register with the Teaching Council as teachers of mathematics at post-primary level. The programme, provided by a consortium led by the University of Limerick, is being made available again in September 2015. Some 800 teachers are involved in this initiative. The first cohort graduated in 2104.

It is heartening to know that the number of students in recent years presenting for Higher Level in both the Junior Certificate and in the Leaving Certificate mathematics has been increasing.

Support is also available at primary and post primary level through the Professional Development Service for Teachers in the science and mathematics area.

All of these initiatives have given our students the skills and confidence, if they choose, to continue their studies in these areas in Higher Education.