A new study into why there has been such a fall off in the number of students taking science subjects at secondary school level has pinpointed a number of factors.
The study carried out by the ESRI found that a significant minority of schools did not provide physics and chemistry for the Leaving Certificate due to a lack of facilities.
These are mainly smaller schools and those serving more disadvantaged populations.
The study also found there was a significant gender difference in the take-up of science subjects with biology being mostly taken by girls and physics mostly taken by boys.
Boys who take chemistry and girls who take any of the science subjects tend to be a selective group, disproportionately of higher ability and from professional backgrounds.
In comparison, boys taking physics and biology tend to be from a range of different ability levels and backgrounds.
Science take-up also tends to be higher in schools which emphasise practical work and student participation in laboratory sessions.
The study recommends that schools be provided with the resources, equipment and appropriate class sizes to allow for regular experimental work within Junior Certificate science classes.
The study found students tend to take science subjects for the Leaving Certificate if they have had a positive experience of science at an earlier stage.
An emphasis on the practical aspects of science and its relevance for everyday life would appear to result in more positive attitudes to the subject and, therefore, greater take-up, the report says.
