There would be a greater focus on maths and science in NSW primary schools under a Labor proposal that would see primary teachers trained in the subjects, according to Labor candidate for Dubbo Stephen Lawrence.
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Labor has pledged almost $10 million to train 200 specialist teachers for maths and science in primary schools as part of a $1.3 billion investment to build and improve schools and TAFEs.
Mr Lawrence said Science, technology, engineering and maths skills were critical to prepare people for jobs in an increasingly globalised world.
He said data showed less students were choosing the two subjects in their schooling and there was also a decline in interest for science and maths based degrees.
Under the plan, a Science and Mathematics Scholarship Program would teachers would offer 200 scholarships a year to recruit teachers while existing primary teachers will carry out 20 days of training in a university course over two years.
Mr Lawrence said under the proposal, Labor would provide an extra $6 million to assist science and maths high performers into teaching degrees, providing them with an annual $5000 training allowance, guaranteed permanent employment in a NSW public school and $3000 for accompanying expenses.
"Science and maths skills are essential to our future productivity and competitiveness," the Labor candidate said.
"Kids in the towns across the Dubbo electorate will be competing for jobs in a global economy - and fostering an interest in maths and science will set our kids on track for success.
"Our kids are falling behind in terms of maths and science. Labor has a plan to lift the skills of students in the towns across the electorate and across NSW, to prepare for the jobs of the future.
Dubbo MP Troy Grant said the Liberal-National Coalition had already announced a similar policy.
"We announced that up to 320 school teachers would be retrained as specialists in maths and science to improve the quality of teaching and student results in these critical areas," he said.
"Last week we announced $148 million to upgrade nearly 60 secondary schools and improve teaching and learning across the state.
"We will also invest $1 billion to provide up to 1,600 new or refurbished classrooms and learning spaces across NSW."
Mr Lawrence said Labor would also ensure all new schools built in NSW would contain child care or before and after school care facilities.
"Co-locating primary schools and child-care centres will help many parents avoid the 'double drop-off' of childcare and school - a practical, innovative new approach that will benefit families across the state.
