Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 16 Oct 2002

Vol. 555 No. 3

Written Answers. - School Curriculum.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

181 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will delay for another year the introduction of the new leaving certifi cate home economics syllabus in view of the fact that the teachers involved have had no in-service training, there are no text books available and in further view of the fact that the proposed new course incorporates practical work, which constitutes 20% of the terminal examination work which did not exist in the old syllabi; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18463/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

The leaving certificate home economics (general) syllabus has been in existence since the majority of teachers in the system began their careers. The leaving certificate home economics (social and scientific) syllabus was introduced in the 1970s. Clearly, there are changes in society and in education that warrant a change in syllabus at this stage. The elements of the syllabi most in need of updating are in the area of food science and the legislation affecting food, resource management and social studies.

Another change, much sought after by teachers who found the old syllabi very difficult to cover in the time available, is a reduction of teaching-time to 180 hours. This has been achieved by a streamlining of content and by the introduction of a strong element of choice. Perhaps the most important change from the point of view of quality of learning and teaching is the new emphasis on practical work in the revised syllabus. It is clear from the above that if my Department were to continue with the old syllabus that is now outdated students would be increasingly badly served by the teaching offered to them.

I have previously indicated that the revised leaving certificate syllabus for home economics will be examined in 2004. In-service training for teachers of the revised leaving certificate home economics syllabus has been in place since September 2001. A seven-member support service has planned and delivered a programme which is offered to all teachers. To date, 80% of all teachers of leaving certificate home economics have attended round one of the programme which ran from October to November 2001. So far, about 8% have attended round two of the in-service programme which is running at present and will continue up to 22 November 2002. This face-to-face delivery of in-service training was accompanied by the provision of teacher guidelines by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, NCCA, and by the publishing by the support service of a booklet containing comprehensive guidelines for teachers on the planning, implementation and recording of exemplar course work assignments. Copies of the material used at rounds one and two of the in-service programme are available to teachers on request.

Textbooks based on the revised syllabus are available at present. "Get Living" has already been published by Gill and Macmillan and sample copies have been sent out to all schools. While the book may not be currently available in some bookshops, I am informed that teachers may order it directly from Gill and Macmillan. Other publishers may also have textbooks available shortly.

Practical work was covered to some extent in round one of the in-service training programme. It is being covered more intensively in round two. It is also very well covered in the NCCA guidelines and in the guidelines provided by the support service. Guidance in this area is also available to teachers through the support service website. In addition, I have asked my officials to ensure that, in the event that the ban is lifted, all necessary arrangements are in place to make up any ground lost by ASTI members either by way of in-service or professional support.