asked the Minister for Education if he will undertake to review the curriculum to include relevant up-to-date subjects as essential elements, including politics, financial management, civics and the life sciences generally.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Curriculum Subjects.
6.
The Curriculum and Examinations Board which were set up in 1984 on an interim basis have been engaged in an overall review of school curricula and systems of assessment.
As I stated in reply to a similar question on 23 April 1986, the board were directed to prepare a new social education programme for post-primary schools. To this end I understand that it is now proceeding with a course committee for social and civic education at the junior post-primary level. The question of an appropriate course, or courses, for senior post-primary level will be examined later in the light of the proceedings and recommendations of the junior post-primary course committee.
Have the Minister's Department any proposals to put forward to the Curriculum and Examinations Board in relation to the senior cycle? Has there been any specific thinking or are there proposals in the process of formulation in that regard?
The question of an appropriate series of courses in the process of formulation for senior post primary level will be examined later in the light of the proceedings and recommendations with regard to the junior post-primary course committee report, when that is available.
Ceist 7.
The Minister of State mentioned in the case of the junior cycle that there have been already proposals put forward to his Department from the Curriculum and Examinations Board. Am I to take it that what has been put forward has been generally accepted by his Department?
The Deputy may take it that what has been put forward is being examined by the Department. Depending on the result of that examination or recommendation, a course or courses for senior post-primary level can be determined.
Ceist 7.
When are we likely to get the response of the Department of Education to these proposals? I take it that the Minister is referring to the junior cycle.
The Deputy will have this information as soon as the recommendations have been deliberated on and decided by the Department. I hope that will be as soon as possible.
Before the summer?