§ Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to review the teaching of science in(a) primary schools and (b) secondary schools in view of the findings of the science assessment of achievement programme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 10 November 1992]: National guidelines on environmental studies from age five to 14 will be published in the next few months. These contain advice on the teaching of science in primary schools and the first two years of secondary schools. They will take account of the findings of the science assessment of achievement programme. We expect the guidelines to enhance the quality of science teaching, and the progress which pupils make in this subject up to the age of 14.
Any review of the teaching of science in the later years of secondary schooling will be in the context of the Government's response to the proposals on which we are currently consulting for the 14 to 18 curriculum.