asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, to change the curriculum in primary schools, in the Dublin inner city area, to meet the needs of the pupils.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Primary Schools Curriculum.
24.
As the Deputy is aware, the more formal programme of instruction for national schools has been replaced by the new curriculum which allows a wide measure of freedom to the individual school and the individual teacher. This curriculum is essentially an integrated entity involving the linguistic, mathematical and artistic organisation of the child's knowledge and experience. Teachers are encouraged to select the programmes most suitable for each school and it is emphasised that the child's own environment is a relevant consideration when this selection is being made. The curriculum handbook made available to all teachers provides detailed guidelines as to the way in which these objectives may be realised.
Schools in the Dublin inner city area therefore—and indeed in any area—have the freedom and are encouraged to provide programmes geared specifically to the needs of their pupils.
Has the Minister any plans for reviewing the workings of the new curriculum with a view to evaluating its effectiveness now that it has been in operation for some years?
I have told the Deputy that this is being done. It is a continuing process. Its effectiveness has been challenged by some people but this matter is being studied in the Department.
The remaining questions will appear in the Order Paper for Wednesday next