Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Sep 1995

Vol. 456 No. 2

Written Answers. - Continental Languages.

Godfrey Timmins

Question:

27 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education the proposals, if any, she has to encourage at a realistic level the teaching and speaking of continental languages in our schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13579/95]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The improvement of the teaching and learning of continental languages in our second-level schools has been one of my policy priorities since I became Minister. In the ongoing reform of the senior cycle programmes, continental languages are being included in phase one. New syllabuses were issued to schools last spring. At present, the in-career development unit of my Department is conducting a countrywide inser-vice programme to assist modern language teachers in implementing the new syllabuses. Practical Guidelines for Teachers have also been prepared by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment.

In addition, a programme of in-career development is being implemented at school level in French and German. A corps of expert classroom teachers has been selected and they have been given special training to enable them to assist in the reforms. During the present school year, they will be visiting all second-level schools to advise their colleagues on the implementation of the new syllabuses.

One of the main features of this reform is the increased emphasis on oral language. The percentage of marks allocated to oral and listening skills is being increased from 30 per cent to 45 per cent in the leaving certificate, for both higher and ordinary levels, beginning in 1997.

At primary level the White Paper on Education states that pupils will be introduced to a European awareness programme. This will include an introduction to European languages, life and culture at an informal level.