Vol. 413 No. 9
41 Mr. Taylor asked the Minister for Education if he will introduce new courses in (1) English (2) History (3) Geography and (4) Irish at junior certificate level to allow for remedial pupils, particularly from disadvantaged areas, obtain certification; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
84 Mr. Taylor asked the Minister for Education if he will introduce an option of taking a practical grade at junior certificate level in woodwork, metalwork, or home economics in order to allow remedial pupils obtain certification; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The revised syllabuses prepared by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment are intended to ensure that the full range of pupil ability and aptitude is catered for within the junior certificate programme. Subjects are normally offered at two levels, ordinary and higher. Mathematics, Irish and English, however, are offered at three levels, foundation ordinary and higher.
The junior certificate examination will be set for the first time in 1992. The situation will be reviewed on the basis of the performance of candidates in that examination across the whole spectrum of ability. Such review will, of course, include the special needs of disadvantaged candidates.
