Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 4 Dec 2002

Vol. 558 No. 5

Written Answers. - School Curriculum.

David Stanton

Ceist:

284 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the current programmes in place and his further plans to encourage initiatives at both primary and secondary level to encourage innovation and creativity at an early age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25165/02]

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

The introduction of the new primary school curriculum in 1999 represented an important landmark in the history of primary education in Ireland. The curriculum incorporates current educational thinking, the most effective pedagogical practices and represents a process of revision that is both evolutionary and developmental. It is designed to cater for the needs of children in the modern world. The ability to think critically, to apply learning and to develop flexibility and creativity are important factors in the child's life. The curriculum places an emphasis on promoting these skills and abilities so that children may cope successfully with change.

The introduction of the various subject areas under the new curriculum are being supported by a programme of in-service training that is taking place each year under the primary curriculum support programme. Under this programme all primary teachers are receiving in-service training and it is consequently expected they will be in a position to begin the implementation of the revised curriculum in their schools.

The in-service programme has been supported by a series of once-off grants over recent years to assist schools in the implementation of various subject areas under the new curriculum. These grants enable schools to purchase suitable equipment and materials and to initiate various activities with a view to ensuring that children are enabled to participate in all areas of the new curriculum.

My Department, in co-operation with Kildare Education Centre, since September 1998 has been engaged in a project aimed at introducing a modern European language to fifth and sixth classes in primary schools on a phased basis. A full-time national co-ordinator was appointed to this project with effect from the beginning of September 2001. Seven project leaders – trainers – are working with schools participating in the project – approximately 378 schools at the end of December 2002 – on an ongoing basis. The targeted languages are French, German, Spanish and Italian. Funding of €1.8 million has been allocated to the project for 2003 under the national development plan.

At second level my Department, in conjunction with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, is pursuing a programme of ongoing curriculum development. Revised syllabi are being introduced on a phased basis and a second level support service provides ongoing cost implementation support in a number of subject areas.