SECURING THE FUTURE OF CHEMISTRY: A CASE STUDY OF DEVELOPMENTS IN CHEMICAL EDUCATION IN IRELAND

Abstract

In the last three years (1999-2002) science education has moved to the top of the government’s agenda in Ireland, from a position of benign neglect over many years. This paper reviews various initiatives that have taken place in Ireland since 1999, with particular reference to chemistry and science education. In particular, the new Leaving Certificate (LC) Chemistry syllabus, implemented in September 2000, will be described against the backdrop of falling numbers in Chemistry at second and third level. Other official reports, the Physical Sciences Initiative (March 1999) and the setting up of a Task Force on the Physical Sciences (November 2000) will also be reviewed. The potential effect of these welcome initiatives for securing the future of chemistry in Ireland will be assessed. . [Chem. Educ. Res. Pract. Eur.: 2002, 3, 361-369]