School Curriculum

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 March 2015

Wednesday, 25 March 2015

Questions (178)

Anthony Lawlor

Question:

178. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 498 of 10 March 2015, the determinants that a school must attain to be included in the initial cohort of schools where politics and society will be trialled at leaving certificate level; when schools will be allowed to express their interest in participating; the circumstances under which the national roll-out might be halted after the trial period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12347/15]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

It is envisaged that the new Leaving Certificate Politics and Society specification will be introduced in schools on a phased basis from September 2016. The number of schools which will comprise the first phase and the criteria against which their application to join the first phase will be considered, are yet to be determined. It is noteworthy that what is proposed for Leaving Certificate Politics and Society is a phased introduction in schools, not a trial. Therefore the question of the duration of a trial period and the halting of a national roll out does not arise. Politics and Society will be an optional Leaving Certificate subject for schools.