Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 October 2024
131. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 164 of 10 October 2024, the number of teachers who have taken part in the DCU course to date and the number that have indicated they will take part in the course next year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42021/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Graduate Diploma in Social, Personal, and Health Education (SPHE) and Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) is for post-primary teachers, and it is being offered by Dublin City University (DCU). This programme, the first of its kind in Ireland, was introduced to enhance teacher capacity in the important area of SPHE/RSE teaching.
The teaching of SPHE/RSE involves addressing a wide range of topics. The DCU programme ensures an evidence-based approach, grounded in best practices and delivered by a team of highly qualified educators, nationally and internationally recognised researchers, and experts in blended learning. The course equips post-primary teachers with skills to effectively teach SPHE/RSE, while also building leadership and capacity in this critical subject area within the profession.
In 2023, a total of 34 teachers participated in the programme, with 44 teachers taking part in 2024. The application process for 2025 has not yet been completed so it is not yet possible to provide participant numbers.
