Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:41. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of history within the framework for junior cycle; and his views on the merits of history as a core subject. [10414/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 1 March 2017
Ceisteanna (41)
Freagraí scríofa
In line with the philosophy of the Framework for Junior Cycle, no subject or short course will be deemed compulsory apart from Irish, English and Mathematics, and the new area of learning of Wellbeing. Thereafter schools will have the flexibility and autonomy to choose from 18 other subjects, including History.
Schools will be given flexibility to shape their own Junior Cycle programme by including a selection of subjects, short courses and other learning experiences that will allow their students to meet the requirements of the twenty-four Statements of Learning outlined in the Framework.
Overall, I am in favour of leaving the decision on what is offered at the discretion of the school. Curriculum choice is important in motivating students to learn and to remain in school to completion of Senior Cycle. The vast majority of schools already offer History and Geography and the vast majority of students choose these subjects although they are currently compulsory in only half our schools.
Because the total number of full subjects which can be done for assessment in Junior Cycle is ten, it is likely that schools will retain most or all of their current subjects in their Junior Cycle going forward. The popularity of subjects depends on the quality of teaching, the passion of the teachers for their subjects and the engagement of their students. I see no reason why the popularity of History will change in the future. I would also point out that the 24 Statements of Learning, underpinning the new Junior Cycle, ensure that historical study, either through the subject History or other means, must be offered in schools' programmes.
The new specification for Junior Cycle History will be introduced in schools in September 2018.