Maria Bailey
Ceist:246. Deputy Maria Bailey asked the Minister for Education and Skills if Mandarin Chinese will be included on the curriculum for the leaving certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22179/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 19 July 2016
Ceisteanna (246)
Freagraí scríofa
The Programme for a Partnership Government commits to a range of new subjects and this is something I will work on over the coming years. I intend to develop plans for new subjects beyond what is included in the Programme for Government.
As part of the new Framework for Junior Cycle, schools can decide to include a short course in Chinese language and Culture, prepared by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, in their junior cycle programme.
There is also currently a Transition Year module on Chinese, which was taken by 4,825 students in 2015.
My Department is currently considering the findings from a consultation process based on a policy document on Languages in Education published last year. Amongst the topics being considered in this context is the possibility of offering additional languages for the Leaving Certificate. It is expected that a languages strategy will be finalised in the second half of this year.