Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 April 2013
124. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he intends to alter the focus of the curricula of foreign languages at second level in order to emphasise the attainment of oral linguistic skills which are essential not only for graduates seeking employment but also for attracting organisations here. [17985/13]
View answerCurrently, the language syllabuses at junior cycle focus on the use of language in real-life situations, and on the writing, reading and aural understanding of these languages, as well as considerable degrees of cultural awareness. The new Framework for Junior Cycle, announced in October 2012, will build on the development of these competences and will reinforce language learning at Junior Cycle quite considerably. In particular, it will support schools in fostering practical language-learning skills. Revision of existing language syllabuses will begin within the next two years and modern foreign language syllabuses are scheduled for implementation in 2016.
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment is reviewing modern foreign language syllabuses at Senior Cycle but we must move at a pace commensurate with the capacity of the system for change. As the significant changes at Junior Cycle are embedded there will be greater scope for syllabus reform at Senior Cycle.
