asked the Minister for Education if he is satisfied that the present post-primary school curriculum is leading young people into areas of poor career prospects; if he is concerned about the small percentage of leaving certificate students who took honours mathematics and physics in 1981; and the efforts he is making to change the situation.
Written Answers. - Post-Primary Curriculum.
570.
I am not satisfied that it could fairly be stated that the post-primary curriculum is responsible for leading young people into areas of poor career prospects. I consider, however, that the curriculum should be subjected to a thorough examination and that the situation should continue to be kept under review from time to time to take account of all relevant developments. It is for this reason that it is proposed to establish an independent curriculum and examinations board the terms of reference of which will include school assessment to supplement the examination system.
I would anticipate that the board will give early attention to the matter of the balance of the curriculum as represented by the number of candidates taking various approved subjects of the course leading to the leaving certificate examination. The percentage of candidates taking honours mathematics and honours physics would, of course, be an important consideration in connection with any such review.