Vol. 481 No. 1
260 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the amendments, if any, he proposes to bring forward to modify the school curriculum to place more emphasis on cultural and artistic activities as outlined in An Action Programme for the Millennium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15743/97]
: A review of the primary curriculum is being finalised by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) at present. Arts education, which encompasses visual arts, music, drama, dance and literature, will form a key element in the revised curriculum which will be implemented in primary schools in the years ahead.
At second level greater emphasis is being placed on cultural and artistic activities in various curricular programmes. At junior certificate level the NCCA is developing short courses in dance and drama. The transition year programme enables schools to develop specific cultural and artistic programmes to meet their own local needs. At leaving certificate level modular programmes continue to be developed in arts education for the new leaving certificate applied programme. The art syllabus for leaving certificate is being revised.
At both primary and second levels, cultural activities are being emphasised in the various syllabi for Irish, History and Geography. Consultations with the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands form an important part of my consideration of these developments.
