§ Mr. CollinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) what assessment he has made of a possible link between falling numbers of science graduates and the availability of fieldwork and out-of-classroom activity in schools; and if he will make a statement; [183157]
(2) if he will make fieldwork and out-of-classroom learning part of the core science curriculum; what assessment he has made of the obstacles to biology fieldwork; and if he will make a statement; [183158]
(3) what assessment he has made of the benefits of fieldwork and out-of-classroom activity in developing practical skills for use (a) at undergraduate level, (b) at postgraduate level and (c) in employment; and if he will make a statement. [183159]
§ Mr. Ivan LewisNo assessment has been made of the impact that the availability of fieldwork in school science has on science graduate numbers. We will set out measures to increase the number of students studying the physical sciences and engineering through the Government's 10 year investment framework for science and innovation, published alongside the 2004 spending review.
93WOut of classroom learning is already a statutory requirement in National Curriculum Geography and we will continue to encourage schools to provide fieldwork opportunities in science. We are developing training and guidance for science teachers in fieldwork, including risk assessment, through our new network of Science Learning Centres.
The Field Studies Council's recent 'Review of Outdoor Learning', which the Department part funded, pointed to the potential learning, attitudinal interpersonal and social outcomes of fieldwork and out of classroom activity such as leadership, team working, enquiry and self-reliance.