Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2021
485. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Education if field trips are permitted for senior cycle students; the advice she has circulated to schools on the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25907/21]
View answerThe Department has published guidance for schools that provide various teaching and learning approaches, including bringing students outdoors and to local amenities to enhance learning, promote physical activity and help positive well-being.
Decisions in relation to educational trips are a matter for each individual school authority and it is the responsibility of each school authority to ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place while students are participating in school trips and that all such activities are in line with public health guidelines. However, schools are encouraged to minimise the use of buses for school tours this year, to keep it local and avoid long trips.
There are a number of subjects that traditionally involve field work such as Geography, which contains an element of geographical Investigation which allows students to experience the practical application of the core geographical skills that are central to all units of the syllabus including physical, regional, human and economic geography.
This may involve undertaking a field study or an investigation which may also be a desk based research. This year’s investigation topics include a study of changing land-use, impact of migration, a local environmental issue, geology in a local area, impact of economic activity and impact of erosion on the landscape. The collection and gathering of information for each of topics may involve gathering data outside the school setting vis-à-vis a field study, surveys, questionnaires etc. Alternatively, data may be collected using primary and secondary data available from journals, databases, government departments, published reports etc. The extended completion date for 2021 Leaving Certificate Geography course work was 23 April 2021.
For other year groups that may involve school trips, particularly for those students in TY, the Department has advised of the importance of the opportunity for strengthening peer relationships and connections. Bonding activities are an important part of the TY programme, provided they adhere to health and social distancing guidelines. In this context, outdoor activities merit consideration, within the public health guidelines.
