Ministry approves controversial Science texts

THE EDUCATION Minster has approved two controversial Science textbooks for use in secondary schools - “Hodder Science  A Pupil’s Book” by Nigel Hessop, David Brodie and James Williams and “The New Lower Secondary Science Book” by Tho Lai Hoong and Ho Peck Leng. The Ministry said both books had been evaluated and approved by the Textbook Evaluation Com-mittee, and principals of secondary schools were free to choose between the two. The Ministry said the Committee had been impressed with the editorial quality of both books and found they integrated well with the school curriculum, in addition to reflecting good methodology.

While one of the illustrations in the Hodder Science book may create a measure of controversy, the Com-mittee found the texts, which are widely used in Asia and the United Kingdom, could not be faulted on sound scientific principles. The Ministry said the books contain convenient information and well developed concepts, while stimulating and motivating pupils by relating science to real life.