Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2020
312. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which he plans to proceed with the review of relationships and sex education in schools undertaken by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5322/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) published a Report on the Review of Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) in primary and post-primary schools in December 2019. The review involved extensive consultation between June 2018 and October 2019. Key recommendations from the review included the following:
- in the short term the NCCA would begin work on interim guidance to support the teaching of SPHE/RSE in schools;
- work on a single online access point for RSE resources to commence in 2020. The NCCA will also develop a set of overarching guidelines to inform the development of future SPHE/RSE resources;
- the NCCA would examine opportunities for SPHE/RSE within the Junior Cycle Wellbeing area of learning, beginning in 2020;
- the NCCA would also begin work in 2020 on redeveloping the overall SPHE/RSE curriculum in schools. This extensive piece of work will involve wide public consultation with all stakeholders over the next couple of years;
- Other recommendations in the report in relation to Initial Teacher Education (ITE) and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) regarding SPHE and RSE would be reviewed by my Department, with a view to putting enhanced supports in place.
My Department and the NCCA are putting in place plans to progress recommendations such as the interim guidance to support the teaching of SPHE/RSE. Two development groups, for primary and post-primary, have been established by the NCCA to oversee the work on the interim guidance. These groups have yet to meet due to the COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings.
The NCCA are also collaborating with my Department on the development of an online portal to support Wellbeing (including SPHE/RSE) in schools. A review of the experience of Wellbeing in Junior Cycle is also underway. Other aspects of the NCCA review are also being considered by my Department.
