One-third of schools may drop science subjects

ONE-third of second-level schools may have to cut the teaching of science subjects because of education cutbacks, a survey has found.

Increases in pupil-teacher ratios imposed last September mean schools have had to reorganise timetables because of reduced teacher numbers. A total of 14% of those responding to the research for the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) report they have dropped science subjects from their timetable this year. But a further one-in-five science teachers who took part said that, while their school had not dropped a science subject this year, they believe it is likely it will happen in the next school year.

More than 330 junior cycle science teachers took part in the Millward Brown Lansdowne survey.