Sir, I am pleased to see your Education Correspondent, Paul Cullen (August 16th), highlighting the deficiencies of the present Leaving Certificate chemistry and physics syllabi. I hope this publicity may help to accelerate the pace of change. I must object, however, on behalf of the members of the Irish Science Teachers' Association, to his placing the blame for the delay in introducing the new chemistry and physics syllabi on teachers, and their attitude to practical assessment.
It is association policy to support the idea of practical assessment at Leaving Certificate level in biology, chemistry and physics. Our proposed mode of assessment involves a student interview with an external examiner and an inspection of his/her practical copy.
This model has found acceptance with other members of the relevant committees of the NCCA. I suggest you might perhaps look to the Department of Education or the Department of Finance for the source of the delay in bringing in these much needed revisions. - Yours, etc.,
Chairman, Irish Science
Teachers' Association,
Valeview Avenue,
Cabinteely, Dublin 18.