Mathematics and Science Subjects

HC Deb 13 April 1961 vol 638 cc41-2W

Mr. G. M. Thomson

asked the Minister of Education (1) if he will give an estimate of the number of pupils in the secondary departments of direct grant schools at present receiving tuition in science subjects; and what percentage this is of the total;

(2) If he will give an estimate of the numbers of pupils in secondary modern, technical and grammar courses of maintained schools who are receiving tuition in science subjects; and what percentages these are of the number of children in each case.

Sir D. Eccles

I do not collect from the schools comprehensive statistics of the numbers of pupils studying different subjects, but I am advised that almost all pupils are taught science subjects. This would not apply generally to sixth form pupils specialising in arts subjects.

Mr. G. M. Thomson

asked the Minister of Education (1) if he will give an estimate of the average number of hours per week allocated to mathematics and science subjects, respectively, in secondary modern, technical and grammar courses in maintained secondary schools;

(2) if he will give an estimate of the average number of hours per week allocated to mathematics and science subjects, respectively, in direct grant schools.

Sir D. Eccles

I cannot give a useful estimate of the time given on average to these subjects within the kinds of school named since this will vary

1950	1951	1952	1953	1954	1955	1956	1957	1958	1959	1960
517	522	532	507	513	530	485	517	563	591	598

according to the ages and abilities of the pupils and the courses they are following. I understand however that the time given to mathematics commonly ranges from about five periods a week for pupils at the start of their secondary school career to about 14 periods for those specialising in this subject at the sixth form stage. In science the time commonly ranges from two or three periods a week at the start to 17 for sixth form specialists. There is little variation in times as between direct grant and maintained grammar schools. A period commonly, but by no means universally, lasts 45 minutes.