Sir, – In Breda O’Brien’s article “Is inexplicably hard marking at Junior Cycle meant to prove a point to teachers?” (Opinion & Analysis, October 13th), she correctly observes that no mention of funding to support the restocking, upgrading or construction of school laboratories is made in the education budget for 2025. This is despite the fact that three new senior cycle science specifications (for biology, chemistry and physics) are being introduced in all schools from September. These new courses were originally announced for wide spread release in 2027 but the Minister for Education announced an acceleration of those plans last December. She had previously committed to funding these subject specifications appropriately yet her actions speak louder than words.
The new curriculums all have new experimental investigations which require specialist equipment, chemicals and glassware. The provision of laboratory space in schools is already very limited and many science lessons never take place in a science laboratory. Those lucky to have laboratories struggle to fund the procurement of essential stocks.
Announced with great fanfare (but little consultation, research or consideration of ever evolving generative AI), the new subjects will have a non-examined assessment component (worth 40 per cent) which will require students to complete their own experimental investigations. Yet schools will not have the money to purchase any specialist equipment or chemicals required, or even space to carry out these experiments. If the Minister wants to accelerate the introduction of these new subject specifications, and ensure their success, a direct and ambitious funding model should be at the forefront of her plans. Perhaps redirecting the €9 million allocated to phone pouches might be a good first step? –Yours, etc,
HUMPHREY JONES,
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Chairperson,
Irish Science Teachers’ Association.
Whitechurch,
Dublin 16.