DEST Media Release: $1.8 MILLION TO STRENGTHEN SCIENCE IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS (August 4, 2004)

       MIN 834/04

    Below is a media release in full from the Department of Education, Science and Training. To our knowledge this is the first acknowledgement that science teaching in Australia's public primary schools is less than adequate. Whether the $1.8 million is more than an election year sop that will lead to a coherent initiative to significantly improve the teaching of science and mathematics in primary and secondary public schools remains to be seen. The padding at the end of the release raises at least some doubt.

The Australian Government is investing almost $2 million to strengthen the skills of, and provide better tools for, primary school teachers hoping to teach their students more science.

The Australian Academy of Science will develop new teaching materials that will enable primary teachers to present scientific concepts in an engaging and interesting way. In addition, the Academy will run a summer school to offer science teachers high quality, intensive specialist training to assist them with strategies for lessons.

State and Territory education authorities and teacher professional associations will assist in the development of the Project.

In Australian primary schools, less than one hour a week is dedicated to teaching science and many primary teachers have little science background.

Investing in new science materials will promote high calibre science education in the crucial early years of schooling. Improving science teaching will also help to attract students to science at a young age, elevate the teaching of science in schools, and educate young Australians for rewarding and satisfying lives.

The Howard Government believes science education is critical for building a strong and inventive society. This announcement builds on other initiatives to inspire young Australians to pursue futures in science and to improve Australia’s long-term capacity for innovation and leading edge technology including:

• $39 million over seven years to boost innovation, science, mathematics and technology teaching in schools;

• $11.4 million over seven years to the Questacon - Smart Moves programme;

• $25.8 million over seven years for the Science Connections programme;

• $199.5 million over five years in additional targeted university places;

• $10 million to establish the National Institute for Quality Teaching and School Leadership (NIQTSL), which will play a crucial national role in building teacher professional standards; and

• $159.2 million to the end of 2004-05 through the Australian Government Quality Teacher Programme (AGQTP) to improve the professional skills and knowledge of teachers.