Written question asked by Ashok Kumar (Labour) on Wednesday, 1 November 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 November 2006. It was answered by Lord Knight of Weymouth (Labour) on Wednesday, 8 November 2006 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Science and Mathematics

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps his Department is taking to improve the teaching of (a) science and (b) mathematics in schools.

Answer: The Government are improving the quality of teaching in science and mathematics through measures to improve the recruitment, retention and professional development of teachers. These include:"A range of incentives to attract more science and mathematics teachers into the profession.""Pre-teacher training courses to enhance intending teachers’ subject knowledge in physics, mathematics and chemistry.""Recruiting, training and supporting a cadre of specialist science and mathematics higher level teaching assistants to support qualified teachers.""Professional development, support and guidance to teachers through the National Strategies, the network of Science Learning Centres and the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics. This includes renewing the Primary Framework for Mathematics last month.""An accredited diploma to give science and mathematics teachers without an initial specialism in the subject the knowledge and skills to teach physics, chemistry or mathematics effectively."

Secondary information