Written Answers. - Education Sector Development.
Ivor Callely
Question:
40
Mr. Callely
asked the
Minister for Education
the progress, additional funds and support available from the EU for investment in the infrastructure of our educational system, in particular the development of European languages; the additional emphasis, if any, she proposes to encourage teaching of European languages in primary and post-primary schools.
[7672/95]
Liam Lawlor
Question:
123
Mr. Lawlor
asked the
Minister for Education,
in view of the perceived under-funding of the primary education sector, the way in which she intends to give effect to the resolution by the EU Council of Education Ministers that foreign language teaching should begin in primary schools; when she intends that such language education should begin in Irish primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[7790/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 123 together.
Under the Community Support Framework, 1994-1999, an investment of £182.13 million will be made in the development of infrastructure in the education sector. The European Union contribution to this investment will amount to £103.625 million from the European Regional Development Fund.
The investment by the European Union will assist towards the provision of a range of capital projects in the second and third-level sectors as well as towards the provision of teachers' centres to support the major investment in the in-career development of teachers.
While the capital projects being assisted from the European Regional Development Fund are not aimed specifically at language development, they will facilitate the enhancement of the curriculum at second-level and course development at third-level, including provision for European languages.
The recently published White Paper on Education,Charting our Education Future, contains a commitment that, in the context of a European awareness programme, primary school students will be introduced to European languages, life and culture.
Modern European languages are an intrinsic element of the curriculum at second level. The White Paper proposes a number of initiatives to develop languages still further at this level. At junior cycle level, schools will be encouraged to promote a wide range of languages, including Spanish and German. The White Paper proposes that all junior cycle students should have access to the study of a modern European language.
Transition year, now available in 60 per cent of schools and soon to be extended, offers a special opportunity to underpin in a non-examination environment students' appreciation of our European environment and to put their language studies to use in developing contacts and exchanges with European schools and students.
Modern European languages will also be an integral part of the senior cycle, including the established leaving certificate programme, the leaving certificate applied and the leaving certificate vocational programme.
The White Paper proposes a phased increase in the proportion of marks awarded for oral and aural competence in the junior certificate and leaving certificate examinations. The policy objective will be to move towards a position where 60 per cent of the total marks available will be awarded for oral and aural competence. This objective, and its implementation, will be the subject of full consultation with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment.
