Minister orders crisis summit after Scots pupils fall behind in maths and science

Published on Tuesday 9 December 2008 21:03

TEACHERS are to be called to a summit after Scotland's schoolchildren were found to be falling behind those in many other countries in maths and science.

On a range of measures, children in other countries, including England, fare better than those in Scotland in both subjects, according to a 59-country survey.

At primary five level, only 51 per cent of pupils have teachers who consider themselves very well prepared to teach science.

Fiona Hyslop, the education secretary, said the findings showed "unacceptable" failings and ordered a detailed analysis, to be considered at a summit next year.

The findings came in an international assessment, conducted every four years, of pupil attainment in maths and science.

Nearly 4,000 primary five pupils and the same number of secondary two pupils took part.

In primary five maths, 11 countries in the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), including England, did better than Scotland, which scored 494, compared with the average of 500.

The findings for maths at secondary two were similar: six OECD countries, including England, did better than Scotland's score of 487.

For science at the P5 level, Scotland's score was 500, matching the average. Thirteen OECD countries, including England, scored above Scotland. The findings were similar for science at S2, where Scotland scored 496. Eight OECD countries, including England, did better.

Ms Hyslop said the figures showed Scotland standing still while other nations "pushed by".

"This survey highlights unacceptable failings in maths and science in Scotland's schools and confirms the urgent need to act," she said. "During the last administration, the achievement of Scots pupils fell back between 2003 and 2007 compared to other countries. There is no doubt this government has inherited a great challenge and it is for us – now – to take action."

The minister has told officials to prepare an urgent analysis of the findings, to be considered by science teachers and business leaders at next year's summit.

"This survey also reveals that too many teachers lack confidence. This needs to be tackled if we want our young people to take science forward," she said.

Liz Smith, the Tory education spokeswoman, said the survey painted a "very disappointing picture". She said: "I am particularly concerned about the lack of basic skills in mathematics, which, together with the issues about basic literacy among too high a proportion of pupils, reinforces the need for far more focus to be put on the teaching of the three Rs at primary school."

Ken Macintosh, Labour's schools spokesman, said pupils in Scotland were not improving as fast as in other countries.

"It is clear that the particular difficulties with science and maths must be addressed by the Scottish Government," he said.

Ann Ballinger, president of the Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association, said:

"There are generic science classes, which means if you are, for example, a physicist you are not teaching your own subject."