Primary sciences

Physics, chemistry and mathematics are considered primary sciences. Yet they are facing utter neglect showing the free fall that our education and public instruction are in. A study report of the Board of Secondary Education Karachi has made disturbing disclosures. Over the past three years —2017, 2018 and 2019 – most students scored 50% or less marks in physics and mathematics. The state of affairs is similar at both private and government schools. In 2019, about 82% cleared the physics paper, and a mere 12% students obtained around 82% marks in the subject while 27% could secure only 50% or less marks. Of the 83% students who cleared the paper, 34% secured 50% marks and lower than this. In the same year in maths too, students’ performance was dismal as only 12% of them obtained 80% or more marks in the subject. Of the 83% successful students, 34% scored 50% or less marks. The subsequent two years saw the trend unchanged.

In the modern world, success of nations depends on their proficiency in basic sciences. The authorities should be knowing the fact yet they are not paying serious attention to the study of basic sciences; the prevailing situation shows they are neglecting education altogether. Not many are taking up chemistry as a subject of study either. The BSEK survey reveals that both public and private schools in inner city areas have only one teacher carrying the designation of science teacher for the three basic sciences. Not only are such teachers poorly paid, they are also not trained and properly qualified. The report attributes this to low fees at these schools. Moreover, the stress at these schools is on rote-learning which does not encourage the spirit of inquiry, inquisitiveness and questioning. It is highly surprising that the authorities seem to be ignorant that a maths teacher can teach physics but a physics teacher cannot teach maths. How much is spent to keep the people ignorant and uneducated.