Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 November 2004
42 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason new second level syllabi in art, architectural technology, design and communications graphics, technology and engineering, and technology have not been implemented; the projected financial and staffing implications of such changes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30517/04]
View answerFollowing a review by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, NCCA, of the three technological subjects at leaving certificate level four syllabi were submitted to my Department for consideration in 2003. These are: engineering technology, formerly engineering; architectural technology, formerly construction studies; design and communication graphics, formerly technical drawing; and technology, for which there is no equivalent leaving certificate subject currently in existence.
These syllabuses were followed by further advice and analysis on implementation issues relating to in-service provision and facilities at school level which was forwarded to my Department in June 2004. Separately, a revised syllabus in leaving certificate art was presented by the NCCA to the Department in June 2004.
My Department responded to the council on 22 September 2004 indicating that it was not in a position to initiate implementation of these syllabi at this stage given that a major investment in terms of infrastructure and staff development was needed and that this was particularly the case for the technology subjects; the existing professional development arrangements for teachers were being re-organised within the Department; and the system was also faced with major changes arising from the proposed reforms of senior cycle.
The letter explained that the Department did not consider itself to be in a position to take decisions on implementation until further discussions were held with the NCCA in the light of their deliberations on the next stage of advice on the senior cycle, and the evolving developments regarding in-career development and the budgetary provision for 2005. My Department is engaged in ongoing discussions in the matter with the NCCA.
There is nothing unusual in this position. New and revised syllabi must be supported by the appropriate investment in professional development and, where necessary, by investment in equipment and school facilities. The resources available from time to time do not always allow for automatic implementation of new or revised syllabi in schools immediately following finalisation by the NCCA.
The Department has invested heavily in professional development for teachers, and expenditure in this area is estimated at €24.2 million in the current year. A sustained programme of reform is being implemented with a revised syllabus in junior certificate science being implemented in schools from 2003-04, accompanied by expenditure of €10.2 million in resource grants for schools, the implementation of a revised junior cycle physical education programme which began in 2003 and revised syllabi in leaving certificate history and geography being implemented in 2004-05.
This programme of reform will continue, but must be appropriately planned and resourced. In relation to the four technology subjects the advice from the NCCA recommends an investment of some €7 million over four years on in-service training for teachers, and an investment in additional equipment for schools which could range from €11,000 to €98,000 per classroom depending on the mix of subjects followed. Funds of this order are not available at present. I will keep the matter under review.
