Chamber
Plenary, 03 Mar 2004
03 Mar 2004 · S2 · Plenary
Item of business
Institute for Science Education in Scotland
When I was in Kenya, I was the principal teacher of a physics and chemistry department. I can assure Brian Adam that my main job was to try to keep the bangs out of science, although I admit to one experiment—which I probably should not have performed—that involved a very explosive substance. Happily, it did not come off.
I wish to cover three points, one to do with primary education, one to do with secondary education and the other to do with universities and colleges. I draw the minister's attention to some of the strengths in primary education that we should be working with. Despite some of the concerns about Scottish science, the third trends in international mathematics and science study—TIMSS—which was carried out six years ago, showed that, although 13-year-olds in Scotland came below the international average,
"13 year old Scottish pupils performed considerably better in practical tasks than in written tasks".
That is very important. People such as Watt, Baird and Kelvin were grounded in the practical side of science, such as engineering; they could make things and went on to be inventors. I am not particularly worried. We test written skills at every level in education, but the important thing is that the scientific investigative skills of pupils aged 13 in Scotland are good by international standards. We should work on and invest in that strength. That of course means that we should invest as much as possible in the idea of having a room in every primary school that is dedicated to science as well as other practical activities such as technical subjects and art, that is not a classroom and is a place where children can perform experiments, get dirty and become excited.
The problem in secondary schools is not just the difficulty of the subjects, which Robert Brown mentioned, but the fact that we do not have a culture of science in our secondary schools as we did when I was at school. I do not know how we get that back. It is important to engage the help of Careers Scotland in a dedicated and focused way to get that culture back in our secondary schools.
Last year and the year before, we had big science events that were arranged through the Parliament with universities. I was particularly concerned that the colleges were not included in them. We should raise the profile of our Scottish colleges as well as our universities; they should be included in resolving the issues around the debate and they should have been included in the events. A lot of what they do relates to science; not just the universities are involved.
I would like to say a lot more, but the Presiding Officer is indicating that I should sit down.
I wish to cover three points, one to do with primary education, one to do with secondary education and the other to do with universities and colleges. I draw the minister's attention to some of the strengths in primary education that we should be working with. Despite some of the concerns about Scottish science, the third trends in international mathematics and science study—TIMSS—which was carried out six years ago, showed that, although 13-year-olds in Scotland came below the international average,
"13 year old Scottish pupils performed considerably better in practical tasks than in written tasks".
That is very important. People such as Watt, Baird and Kelvin were grounded in the practical side of science, such as engineering; they could make things and went on to be inventors. I am not particularly worried. We test written skills at every level in education, but the important thing is that the scientific investigative skills of pupils aged 13 in Scotland are good by international standards. We should work on and invest in that strength. That of course means that we should invest as much as possible in the idea of having a room in every primary school that is dedicated to science as well as other practical activities such as technical subjects and art, that is not a classroom and is a place where children can perform experiments, get dirty and become excited.
The problem in secondary schools is not just the difficulty of the subjects, which Robert Brown mentioned, but the fact that we do not have a culture of science in our secondary schools as we did when I was at school. I do not know how we get that back. It is important to engage the help of Careers Scotland in a dedicated and focused way to get that culture back in our secondary schools.
Last year and the year before, we had big science events that were arranged through the Parliament with universities. I was particularly concerned that the colleges were not included in them. We should raise the profile of our Scottish colleges as well as our universities; they should be included in resolving the issues around the debate and they should have been included in the events. A lot of what they do relates to science; not just the universities are involved.
I would like to say a lot more, but the Presiding Officer is indicating that I should sit down.
In the same item of business
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Trish Godman):
Lab
The final item of business today is a members' business debate on motion S2M-870, in the name of Lord James Douglas-Hamilton, on the Institute for Science Ed...
Motion debated,
That the Parliament notes the widespread concerns about the future of science education in Scotland; believes the declining popularity of science subjects in...
Lord James Douglas-Hamilton (Lothians) (Con):
Con
Science education in Scotland is vital because of the tremendous contribution that Scots have made to science. Scots are responsible for almost one quarter o...
The Deputy Presiding Officer:
Lab
A considerable number of members wish to speak in the debate, so I will stick to three-minute speeches.
Ms Wendy Alexander (Paisley North) (Lab):
Lab
I thank Lord James Douglas-Hamilton for initiating this debate. The fact that the Presiding Officer is already limiting the length of time members have to sp...
Brian Adam (Aberdeen North) (SNP):
SNP
I congratulate Lord James Douglas-Hamilton on lodging the motion.We are looking to exploit, nurture and encourage the natural curiosity of children and young...
Robert Brown (Glasgow) (LD):
LD
I congratulate Lord James Douglas-Hamilton on initiating a debate on this extremely important subject. I welcome the establishment of the Institute for Scien...
Rhona Brankin (Midlothian) (Lab):
Lab
Like others, I very much welcome this debate on science education and I congratulate Lord James Douglas-Hamilton on securing it. I had to laugh when I heard ...
Robin Harper (Lothians) (Green):
Green
When I was in Kenya, I was the principal teacher of a physics and chemistry department. I can assure Brian Adam that my main job was to try to keep the bangs...
Dr Sylvia Jackson (Stirling) (Lab):
Lab
I welcome the debate. Although the central subject is the Institute for Science Education in Scotland, it is also very much about school science education an...
Brian Adam:
SNP
Does the member share the enthusiasm of some of our new universities for attracting students to forensic science courses? In such courses, people who might n...
Dr Sylvia Jackson:
Lab
I agree entirely, which is why I said that science, engineering and technology should be grouped together, because applied science is important. As Brian Ada...
Nora Radcliffe (Gordon) (LD):
LD
I thank Lord James Douglas-Hamilton for introducing the debate. The institute is fundamental to how we progress.If young people in education perceive science...
Dr Sylvia Jackson:
Lab
Does the member agree that one of the big issues is that primary school teachers often have little science knowledge, given their training and background?
Nora Radcliffe:
LD
That is one of the big issues and it is why I find the fact that primary school teachers can access the pool of expertise so exciting. That access will give ...
Mr David Davidson (North East Scotland) (Con):
Con
I congratulate Lord James Douglas-Hamilton on securing the debate. I am an applied scientist, although I should point out that I had the privilege of burning...
Dr Elaine Murray (Dumfries) (Lab):
Lab
I was about to train to become a physics teacher when I began a political career 10 years ago through being elected to Strathclyde Regional Council. I had a ...
Mike Pringle (Edinburgh South) (LD):
LD
I congratulate Lord James Douglas-Hamilton on securing this debate on an important subject. I speak in support of the development of the Institute for Scienc...
Mr Keith Raffan (Mid Scotland and Fife) (LD):
LD
I, too, congratulate Lord James Douglas-Hamilton on securing this important debate and welcome the establishment of the Institute for Science Education in Sc...
The Deputy Minister for Education and Young People (Euan Robson):
LD
I am grateful to Lord James Douglas-Hamilton for securing the debate, which has been very interesting. The Executive is always pleased to debate science educ...
Meeting closed at 18:12.