Coalition support for the Primary Connections science education programme

A Coalition government will provide $2 million to complete the Primary Connections science education programme.

Primary Connections: Linking science with literacy has been a very effective programme for the promotion of science in primary schools since it commenced under the Howard Government in 2004. 

Today I met with the 2011 Nobel Laureate Professor Brian Schmidt who has donated $100,000 from his Nobel Prize to the Primary Connections programme.

Professor Schmidt’s donation was a vote of confidence in the effectiveness of Primary Connections as a way to improve the quality and quantity of science teaching in Australian primary schools. The Coalition shares this view.

Fifty five per cent of all Australian primary schools have adopted at least one of the Primary Connections teaching models into their teaching programmes.

The Gillard Government ended funding of Primary Connections in June and the programme is expected to be wound up unless there is further government support. 

A total of $2 million in federal Government funding over the next two years can ensure Primary Connections is self-sustaining by 2014.

The Australian Academy of Science is correct when it says: “at a time when Australian students’ interest in science is declining and achievement standards are slipping, it makes no sense for the Government to cut funding for primary and high school science education programs that are proven to improve teacher quality and increase students’ science knowledge and skills.”

Investments in science and the teaching of science are investments in the future. 

Skills in science are the foundation for Australia’s future advancement in manufacturing, innovation and in a range of industries from pharmaceuticals to telecommunications. 

From Sir Douglas Mawson’s work in Antarctica and Dr Howard Florey’s life-saving development of penicillin, to Professor Brian Schmidt who has changed our thinking about the universe – Australian scientists have been the pioneers of discovery and innovation.

Primary Connections: Linking science with literacy is a meaningful investment in the skills of primary school teachers and the education of Australian children.  A Coalition government will support the continuation of this important work.