Vol. 411 No. 7
17 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education if she has reached a conclusion on the desirability of including the subject political and social studies on the school curriculum; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
In the context of the review of courses for the new Junior Certificate programme, I asked the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment to review the provision for civics to encompass elements of civic, social and political education.
The NCCA are at present preparing this syllabus for the first year of post-primary education, scheduled for early completion and implementation in schools.
May we take it from what the Minister said in her reply that this syllabus will be introduced in the first year of post-primary education, in September?
The NCCA have informed me that they are preparing this syllabus for the first year of post-primary education. I await my next meeting with them — meetings which take place at three monthly intervals — when I will ask them if it will be ready for then. It is my understanding that they have advanced this provision considerably.
Is the Minister aware that, because of pressure on the curriculum, unfortunately civics is relegated very much to an "also ran" slot? Does she agree that there is an obvious need to loosen out the schools timetable — I do not know how this can be done — in order to afford civics the kind of integral place it deserves in the overall education programme? What plans has the Minister in that regard?
I agree with the sentiments expressed by Deputy Jim Higgins from my experience when teaching. Unfortunately subjects which do not carry examination status often receive less emphasis and do not receive their due recognition. I am waiting to ascertain what syllabus will be presented to me by the NCCA in regard to civics, political and social studies on the schools curriculum. I agree with the Deputy that subjects such as civics often can be addressed in a cross-curricular manner, so that modules or elements can be encompassed within other subjects.
Will the Minister ensure that strong emphasis will be placed in this new post-primary curriculum on ethics in politics and business in view of what has taken place recently demonstrating that such is badly needed?
How interesting. I should stress that the syllabus being prepared is a first year, post-primary one although what the Deputy says is worthy, timely and very interesting——
People in glasshouses should not throw stones.
