asked the Minister for Education if she will, during the 1988-1989 school year ask schools, both primary and post-primary, to organise special classes, on a regular basis, on environment protection and appreciation; and if she will consider including environmental studies as an examination subject for Intermediate and Leaving Certificates.
Written Answers. - Environmental Studies.
39.
There is extensive provisions for environmental studies in the Primary School Curriculum. Teachers encourage pupils to take an interest in their environment and bring them out of the classroom to observe various aspects of the natural environment. In this way an awareness and appreciation of the environment is cultivated.
An inter-departmental working group is being set up to consider measures to further support what the schools are doing in the area of environmental awareness.
As regards post-primary schools I decided last year that the programme in Social and Environmental Studies, which is an alternative to History and Geography in Junior Cycle, should be made available to all second-level schools. This subject is examined as part of the Intermediate Certificate examination.