Vol. 450 No. 4
61 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Education the progress, if any, that has been made in relation to the introduction at second level of a course in civics, social and political education; if the course will be at junior and senior cycle; if the course will be mandatory; the number of students and schools participating; and the results to date in the pilot project. [5254/95]
Civic, social and political education (CSPE) commenced as a pilot project at junior cycle in September 1993 and it will conclude in June 1996.
In 1994-95, 107 schools with almost 300 teachers and 12,400 students are involved in the project. The pilot phase of the project will conclude in 1995-96 with a projected 150 schools, 570 teachers and 24,000 students involved.
On the basis of the pilot project it is intended that a new junior cycle short course in civic, social and political education will be finalised and will be available for dissemination to all post-primary schools for the school year 1996-7.
Civic, social and political education will replace the existing civics programme, as a mandatory element of the junior cycle curriculum. It is envisaged that CSPE, unlike the existing civics programme, will be assessed and certified as part of the junior certificate.
The broad area of civic, social and political education is a recommended area of study within the transition year programme and the leaving certificate applied. The potential for the CSPE as a full leaving certificate subject is under consideration at present.
The schools participating in the pilot project have expressed satisfaction with the course.
