Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 March 2024
218. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education if her Department will conduct a review of school subject choice available to pupils in the Dublin 8 area, and what work can be done by her Department to ensure pupils have access to a full range of higher and ordinary subjects. [11222/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe range of subjects to be offered in the Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate programmes in individual schools will vary in accordance with the teaching resources in the school and the needs and interests of the students and is a matter for school management authorities.
At Junior Cycle, students generally study eight to ten subjects with English, Irish and Mathematics and History being required. Students may choose up to six further optional subjects, depending on whether or not they are studying short courses in addition to subjects.
Under the Rules and Programmes for Secondary Schools, the approved course of study for students following the established Leaving Certificate must include not less than five subjects from among the range of approved curricular subjects, one of which must be Irish
As part of Senior Cycle Redevelopment, I want to enable students to follow a broad curriculum that develops their interests and skills and supports them in their next phase of life: higher education, further education and training, apprenticeships, and the world of work.
The Senior Cycle Redevelopment programme will examine subject choice at Senior Cycle to understand and address the enablers and barriers to providing increased subject choice for students in all schools.
