Earlier at the Primary level, there was no separate science subject. Teaching was restricted to the environment. It's only in 2001 that a new subject was introduced. It focused exclusively on the knowledge of science.

At the secondary level, science was taught as a compulsory subject up to Form III. Statistics have it that at present at O level, only 28% of the students study Chemistry, 22% go for Physics and 23 % for Biology. There are fewer students interested in the science stream.

Ricaud Auckbur, Director, Post Secondary and Tertiary Section, Ministry of Education and Human Resources points out: “ The general perception has been that there is a limited future for the science students. It is seen that the study leads only to the production of scientists, doctors and researchers in technological areas. The subject is looked upon as one for boys. However, the perception is changing. The country needs a science literate human resource and the technological and professional occupation is open to both genders.”

In 2005, a research paper published by the Mauritius Research Council highlighted the need to shift from the Form III science to a higher standard. A strong need was felt to give a major boost to the teaching of mathematics, science and technology, which were lagging behind. For the past two years, different stakeholders have been  working on ways and means of exploring possibilities to improve the situation.

Ricaud Auckbur says: “Several strategies have been explored. Like last year, there was the colloquium in Mauritius where  the ‘21st century science’ syllabus of Cambridge was presented. The syllabus has an interesting outlook. It has a useful general science component for our students. After Form III, students who don’t go for major science subjects can also have the know-how of the general science by broadening the curriculum. At least up to O level, one who is not doing science subjects will have some knowledge of  general science.”

Pilot project
This pilot project will be run during 2009 in 14 schools as an introduction of an eighth subject to enable all students not opting for the Sciences to study 21st Century Science as from Form IV in 2010.

“ It is the introduction of the general science subject comprising Physics , Chemistry and Biology geared towards science literacy and science related to everyday life,” Ricaud adds.

The HRDC Plan 2007 also clearly indicates that the country needs human resource that is science literate. The country is also moving towards harmonising its  technological and vocational education and skills sector. Many steps are being taken. In addition to the existing vocational schools, the new knowledge based Training Centre will be soon in use at the ex-BAT premise in Port Louis.

At the university level, to boost the potentials of the land based oceanic and the sea weed industry, several new programmes of study, in line with the emerging industries, are also introduced.

Auckbur further points out that some micro projects at the level of primary education will soon be coming up.

“While our primary schools presently have limited resour­ces, soon they will have equipment to set up science rooms. Early next year, the Ministry, with the MRC, will be training the heads of primary schools on how to set up science rooms. The government will be purchasing science equipment for all the primary schools in Mauritius, Rodrigues and Agalega. The idea is  to consolidate the concept of science at the primary level,” he adds.

At the Secondary level, the Ministry is working on the purchase of laptops, LCD projectors and data logging sets to equip science labs with the latest technology as a tool to enhance teaching and learning of science.

Auckbur says: “Science literacy is a must for development. If we fail to change our approach and perception to­wards the teaching and learning of science, it will have serious implications in the quality of our human resources; we may fail to get any benefit from the emerging new economic areas.

“It's only with the help of a scientifically literate labour force that the country can battle against the problems of mounting energy and food crisis,” Auckbur adds.