Science teaching has failed to win full marks

They said the content was often out of date and at several stages the pace of lessons was too slow.

Children were doing well in early primary and in exam classes in biology, physics and chemistry. But overall, the report indicated serious problems.

Many children between 10 and 14 were under-achieving because too little was expected of them.

In particular, lessons were found not to be up to scratch in the general Standard Grade science course.

More needs to be done to enthuse all young people about science Graham Donaldson School inspector

The Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) report called for better training to make sure staff are up-to-date in what they know and how they teach.

Chief Inspector Graham Donaldson said: "All our young people need sound scientific knowledge and skills if they are to play their full part as citizens in a modern Scotland.

"Our schools continue to produce some very able young scientists. However, too many pupils leave school with little interest in science and insufficient awareness about its influence on their lives.

'Effective teaching'

"More needs to be done to enthuse all young people about science and to make sure that courses are updated to reflect and excite interest in the latest developments and discoveries.

"The knowledge and skills of our teachers also need frequent refreshing to ensure relevant and effective teaching and learning."

Mr Donaldson said the HMIE would work with schools, councils and other bodies to improve standards and areas for action were outlined.

A spokesman for the Royal Society of Chemistry praised the Edinburgh parliament's commitment to making science the priority in its changes to the curriculum.

But he said ministers need to spend more on equipment, recruitment and training.