Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2022
460. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Education the reason that the rules for national schools from 1965 are still available on her website; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the rules make reference to labels which are now considered stigmatising and inappropriate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24693/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is the aim of my Department that every child has access to equitable education and that each learner irrespective of background feels safe and happy in the school environment, at every stage.
I acknowledge that much of the language in the document published in 1965 is outdated and does not reflect this ambition. However, many aspects of the Rules for National Schools have been superseded by circulars since then.
For example, the 1999 Primary Curriculum is undergoing review and redevelopment, led by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA). The consultation on the Draft Primary Curriculum Framework closed on February 28th, 2022. Feedback from teachers, school leaders, parents/guardians, children and national stakeholder groups during the consultation will play an important role in finalising the details within the Primary Curriculum Framework. Upon completion in early 2023, this framework will then guide the NCCA’s work in developing a specification for each curriculum area. A timeline for the introduction of the redeveloped curriculum will be set out by the Department of Education.
On 29 March I announced ambitious plans for a reimagined Senior Cycle of education for post-primary students – Equity and Excellence for All: where the student is at the centre of their Senior Cycle experience.
This new approach will enable students to follow a broad curriculum, develop their interests and skills and participate in a final assessment process consistent with international best practice, which will support them in their next phase of life whether that’s third level, further education and training, apprenticeships or the world of work.
The redeveloped Senior Cycle will include the development of new subjects and revised curricula for all existing subjects, which will be informed by the views of students and teachers in a co-creation process. These will include a significant emphasis on additional assessment components outside of the traditional final written exams.
