Time for science in primary schools to be tripled as study shows weaknesses

The government is committed to triple the allocated time for science in primary schools as from next scholastic year, Education Minister Evarist Bartolo said today. He said this would be done through more efficient time management which should also include a focus on literacy, he said. The minister was speaking during the presentation of the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study 2011, this afternoon. This study showed that a lack of knowledge of the English language may have contributed to Maltese students answering incorrectly or skipping questions. The achievement score of students who spoke English at home was higher than that of those who did not. “We need to work more on time management to include bilingual literacy in primary school,” the minister said. He added that being bilingual was a challenge in all sectors. “As much as it is important for state school students to know how to speak English, it is also important for independent schools to have a good grasp of Maltese for students to develop more intellectually. “From the next scholastic year, we need to find more time for literacy and science.” The minister noted that 30 per cent of Maltese students did...