Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 28 Apr 1994

Vol. 442 No. 2

Written Answers. - Second Level Examinations.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

Plays are set only in English, although the reading of Greek in translation may form part of classical studies.

At junior certificate there will not be a prescribed play in 1995. Only at the higher level examination will it be necessary to answer questions on drama. Candidates will be given two unseen extracts from plays, one from a Shakespearean play and one from a non-Shakespearean play. They will have to answer on one or other. There will also be general questions on drama and candidates may use their knowledge of any play or plays in their answering.

At leaving certificate in 1995 higher level candidates will have three sections on their literature paper — drama, poetry, fiction. They will have to answer one question from each section and one other question of their choice. In 1995 they will have to answer one question onMacbeth (Shakespeare). Then if they so choose they may answer as their fourth question a question on Murder In The Cathedral (T. S. Eliot) or Philadelphia Here I Come (Brian Friel) or St. Joan (G. B. Shaw). At ordinary level candi dates will be required to deal with one play only from the three plays Macbeth, Philadelphia Here I Come and Arms and the Man (Shaw).

I am satisfied with the choice prevailing at each level. I am of course open to considering whatever recommendations for reform of the leaving certificate English courses may be made by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment.