Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 26 Mar 1996

Vol. 463 No. 3

Written Answers. - Junior Certificate Subjects.

Máirín Quill

Ceist:

242 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Education her views regarding the proposed downgrading of history in the proposed new junior cert programme; her intentions regarding this matter; and if she has a commitment to retain history as a core subject and a core discipline in Irish education in the years ahead. [6187/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

History and geography is a core subject for junior certificate pupils in secondary schools. It is not a core subject for pupils of vocational or community or comprehensive schools, but in fact 740 out of a total of 772 second level schools offer history at junior certificate level.

As outlined in the Education White Paper, Charting our Education Future, the primary objective of the junior cycle is for students to complete a broad balanced and coherent course of study in a variety of curricular areas relevant to their own personal development and to allow them to achieve a level of competence in these which will enable them to proceed to senior cycle education.

The White Paper also indicates that the curricular framework at junior cycle has as one of its objectives that all students in accordance with their abilities and aptitudes will have experienced or achieved "a knowledge and appreciation of their social, cultural and physical heritage and environment".

The White Paper states that the programme for all pupils in all schools at junior cycle will include a core of Irish, English, mathematics, a science or technological subject and at least three further subjects from a wide range of full and short courses.

It will be necessary to look at the current curriculum provision as outlined inRules and Programmes for Secondary Schools and realign in accordance with the objectives of the White Paper. I am seeking the advice of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) on this matter.