Portfolio Question Time – in the Scottish Parliament am 2:00 pm ar 5 Rhagfyr 2024.
Foysol Choudhury
Llafur
2:00,
5 Rhagfyr 2024
To ask the Scottish Government how it is working to ensure that pupils have access to practical science activities as part of the curriculum. (S6O-04087)
The Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise (Natalie Don-Innes):
Practical science is part of the sciences curriculum. Work to improve the curriculum as part of the curriculum improvement cycle is now under way, led by Education Scotland. This financial year alone, we have invested more than £100,000 in the raising aspirations in science education programme, which is empowering primary school practitioners with the confidence and skills required to deliver engaging science, technology, engineering and mathematics learning. We have also provided more than £900,000 to SSERC, an organisation that delivers professional learning and training for STEM teachers and school technicians. That includes practical advice and guidance on reducing the costs of delivering practical science activities.
Foysol Choudhury
Llafur
Science technicians are a key part of science departments in schools, supporting teachers with their work and practical lessons. However, the Royal Society of Chemistry’s science teaching survey in 2024 noted that 39 per cent of respondents from mainstream and specialist schools stated that they are understaffed for science technicians. Can the Minister advise how the Scottish Government is working to address the shortage of science technicians?
Natalie Don-Innes:
The Scottish Government absolutely recognises the important role that school technicians can play in supporting science teachers in the delivery of engaging practical learning opportunities. Local authorities are responsible for the recruitment and deployment of their staff, including teachers and technicians, and we will continue to support them to maximise the number of jobs that are available in certain areas and in certain subjects. Nationally, the Scottish Government supports SSERC, as I mentioned in my previous response, which offers training for school technicians. It reached more than 320 science technicians and delivered more than 4,500 combined hours of professional learning last year.
Question Time is an opportunity for MPs and Members of the House of Lords to ask Government Ministers questions. These questions are asked in the Chamber itself and are known as Oral Questions. Members may also put down Written Questions. In the House of Commons, Question Time takes place for an hour on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays after Prayers. The different Government Departments answer questions according to a rota and the questions asked must relate to the responsibilities of the Government Department concerned. In the House of Lords up to four questions may be asked of the Government at the beginning of each day's business. They are known as 'starred questions' because they are marked with a star on the Order Paper. Questions may also be asked at the end of each day's business and these may include a short debate. They are known as 'unstarred questions' and are less frequent. Questions in both Houses must be written down in advance and put on the agenda and both Houses have methods for selecting the questions that will be asked. Further information can be obtained from factsheet P1 at the UK Parliament site.
Ministers make up the Government and almost all are members of the House of Lords or the House of Commons. There are three main types of Minister. Departmental Ministers are in charge of Government Departments. The Government is divided into different Departments which have responsibilities for different areas. For example the Treasury is in charge of Government spending. Departmental Ministers in the Cabinet are generally called 'Secretary of State' but some have special titles such as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Ministers of State and Junior Ministers assist the ministers in charge of the department. They normally have responsibility for a particular area within the department and are sometimes given a title that reflects this - for example Minister of Transport.
Ministers make up the Government and almost all are members of the House of Lords or the House of Commons. There are three main types of Minister. Departmental Ministers are in charge of Government Departments. The Government is divided into different Departments which have responsibilities for different areas. For example the Treasury is in charge of Government spending. Departmental Ministers in the Cabinet are generally called 'Secretary of State' but some have special titles such as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Ministers of State and Junior Ministers assist the ministers in charge of the department. They normally have responsibility for a particular area within the department and are sometimes given a title that reflects this - for example Minister of Transport.
