Vol. 521 No. 1
276 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of subjects by assessment in lieu of examination required at advanced level by option one of circular letter 11/79 for the award of the art teachers certificate (details supplied). [16470/00]
The option referred to by the Deputy required a student to make a submission on one of the main designated areas of study, drawing, painting, sculpture, design, craft, and to submit a personal source diary and a thesis.
I will clarify for the Deputy the position with regard to the award of the art teachers' certificate on the basis of my Department's technical school examinations in art.
Prior to 1980, to qualify for the award of the art teachers' certificate, candidates had to secure a first class pass, 70% or more, in four subjects at advanced level. The individual subjects could be taken by set examination or, in the case of full-time students, by assessment. Circular 11/79 introduced a revised assessment process which again was restricted to full-time students. Under this process, a full-time student whose work was being assessed had to show a fuller expertise and a more developed and complete accomplishment in his or her work. The integration of the theoretical and historical with the practical was an increase in the quantity, quality and nature of what was required. A higher standard of attainment was required in line with the established art education norms of that time. The Deputy will note that a fully researched thesis had to be submitted as part of the requirement.
