New science courses lack detail, says expert

New courses in Leaving Certificate science subjects lack important detail for teachers and could lead to falling standards in student learning, an education expert has warned.

The draft syllabi in biology, chemistry and physics, currently before Education Minister Ruairi Quinn for approval, set out the topics and learning outcomes that students should achieve. However, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment says it will not set out depth of treatment or range of subject knowledge in these or any future syllabus specifications.

In a report for the Irish Science Teachers Association, UCC emeritus professor of education Áine Hyland said the reforms being adopted are not in line with international best practice.