(2) how much his Department spent on promoting the study of science, technology, engineering and mathematics at key stage 3 in each year since 1997.
The Government are supporting a number of curricular and extra curricular programmes that aim to encourage the study of science at key stages 3 and 4 and beyond. These include
The introduction of a new science programme of study at key stage 3 for first teaching from September 2008. As with the new science programme of study at key stage 4 that was introduced in 2006 it will maintain the breadth, depth and challenge of the previous curriculum, but will have a better balance between knowledge and understanding.
The secondary national strategy which provides a comprehensive professional development programme for teachers which includes training and materials and support from local consultants who are experts in their field. The strategy sets high expectations and is designed to raise standards for all pupils in all circumstances, but also focuses on pupils who need extra support and who are falling behind.
The national network of science learning centres to provide professional development for science teachers and technicians. The training focuses on encouraging innovative and exciting teaching practice that will enthuse and inspire young people and improve the subject specialism of science teachers.
Piloting 250 after school science and engineering clubs offering an engaging and stretching programme of activities to key stage 3 pupils with interest and potential in science. A further 250 clubs will be established from September 2008.
Establishing a system for coordinating the many enhancement and enrichment activities that are available to make it easier for schools to access them. This will include the publication of directories of nationally available activities.
Project Faraday, which is developing inspirational exemplar designs for school laboratories which will reflect the latest thinking on what is required to ensure effective science teaching. A book showing the exemplar designs will be published in early 2008.
The new triple science support programme, delivered by the Learning and Skills Network, which provides practical advice and support to schools to offer separate GCSEs in biology, physics and chemistry.
Information on how much has been spent on science, technology, engineering and mathematics at key stage 3 since 1997 can be provided only at disproportionate cost, or cannot be disaggregated from wider budgets.
From September 2008 the Government want to make GCSEs in the individual sciences of physics, chemistry and biology (triple science) more accessible to pupils who would benefit. To achieve this we are introducing a non-statutory entitlement to triple science for all pupils who achieve level 6 in science at key stage 3. All specialist science colleges will be expected to deliver triple science from 2008. The Government have also put in place the triple science support programme to support schools as mentioned above. This will include the delivery of 600 days of training to schools by the end of March 2008. The programme has also established 40 local triple science networks to support schools starting to offer triple science.