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04/03/2010
O'Keeffe Opens Cork Science Labs
Irish Minister for Education and Science, Batt O'Keeffe was on hand yesterday to open two new science laboratories in St Fanahan’s College, Mitchelstown, Co Cork.
The new laboratories are the result of an investment of more than €260,000 under the Department’s Summer Works Scheme.
He said the laboratories would bolster the delivery of the school’s science curriculum for 135 second-level students and 110 adult education students.
"Especially in these severely difficult economic times, we must continue to ensure a steady supply of science graduates," he said.
"Here in Cork, we have attracted eight of the top 10 global firms in the electronics, telecommunications, information communications technology, health and pharmaceutical sectors.
"St Fanahan’s College has always promoted practical education among its students and these new laboratories will help the school to build on that record and prepare the next generation for the challenges of the smart economy."
The Minister pointed out that World Maths Day, which will be marked this week, is an opportunity to renew our determination to improve take-up of higher-level Leaving Certificate maths and drive more students into science, technology, engineering and maths courses.
"This year, we are investing €5 million in professional development for maths teachers in advance of the national roll-out of Project Maths this September - the Government’s curricular reform plan which will promote the everyday application of maths concepts and methodologies," the Minister added.
"Higher Education Authority figures show Central Applications Office applications up over 8 per cent, with a 25 per cent jump in acceptances of science and computing courses.
"While science is at its highest level of favour for a decade, we must continue our efforts to encourage more students to opt for science and technology-based programmes in higher education."
(NS/BMcC)
The new laboratories are the result of an investment of more than €260,000 under the Department’s Summer Works Scheme.
He said the laboratories would bolster the delivery of the school’s science curriculum for 135 second-level students and 110 adult education students.
"Especially in these severely difficult economic times, we must continue to ensure a steady supply of science graduates," he said.
"Here in Cork, we have attracted eight of the top 10 global firms in the electronics, telecommunications, information communications technology, health and pharmaceutical sectors.
"St Fanahan’s College has always promoted practical education among its students and these new laboratories will help the school to build on that record and prepare the next generation for the challenges of the smart economy."
The Minister pointed out that World Maths Day, which will be marked this week, is an opportunity to renew our determination to improve take-up of higher-level Leaving Certificate maths and drive more students into science, technology, engineering and maths courses.
"This year, we are investing €5 million in professional development for maths teachers in advance of the national roll-out of Project Maths this September - the Government’s curricular reform plan which will promote the everyday application of maths concepts and methodologies," the Minister added.
"Higher Education Authority figures show Central Applications Office applications up over 8 per cent, with a 25 per cent jump in acceptances of science and computing courses.
"While science is at its highest level of favour for a decade, we must continue our efforts to encourage more students to opt for science and technology-based programmes in higher education."
(NS/BMcC)
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Irish Primary Pupils' Score Above National Average In Maths And Science
The Minister of State for Research and Innovation, Seán Sherlock TD, has welcomed a report examining Irish primary pupils' progress in maths and science in an international peer study. The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) provides details of student achievement in maths and science at primary level in 50 countries.
Irish Primary Pupils' Score Above National Average In Maths And Science
The Minister of State for Research and Innovation, Seán Sherlock TD, has welcomed a report examining Irish primary pupils' progress in maths and science in an international peer study. The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) provides details of student achievement in maths and science at primary level in 50 countries.
26 October 2009
Teachers' Qualifications 'Don't Add Up'
A parliamentary question by a member of the opposition has revealed that over a third of Maths teachers in Irish Secondary schools are not qualified in the subject. Fine Gael's Brian Hayes accused the Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe of being "asleep at the wheel" on the issue, after putting the question to him under the Freedom of Information act.
Teachers' Qualifications 'Don't Add Up'
A parliamentary question by a member of the opposition has revealed that over a third of Maths teachers in Irish Secondary schools are not qualified in the subject. Fine Gael's Brian Hayes accused the Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe of being "asleep at the wheel" on the issue, after putting the question to him under the Freedom of Information act.
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Concern Over Maths Leaving Cert Results
This years Leaving Cert results are in, but for many math students, the day will be tainted as high failure rates in the subject have become the main talking point. Some 4,300 students failed the maths exam, while failure rates in science subjects at both higher and ordinary level were far higher than in other subjects.
Concern Over Maths Leaving Cert Results
This years Leaving Cert results are in, but for many math students, the day will be tainted as high failure rates in the subject have become the main talking point. Some 4,300 students failed the maths exam, while failure rates in science subjects at both higher and ordinary level were far higher than in other subjects.
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Concern Over Falling Interest In Maths
With the results of the Leaving Cert announced on Wednesday, business and opposition leaders are growing concerned over the continued falling performance in maths. Almost 5,000 candidates failed maths in the Leaving Certificate, ruling them out of a raft of third-level courses.
Concern Over Falling Interest In Maths
With the results of the Leaving Cert announced on Wednesday, business and opposition leaders are growing concerned over the continued falling performance in maths. Almost 5,000 candidates failed maths in the Leaving Certificate, ruling them out of a raft of third-level courses.
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