Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 208: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his role regarding the review of the junior cycle being undertaken by the National Council for Curriculum Assessment; the timeframe envisaged for this review; if his attention has been drawn to concerns being expressed by history teachers regarding the changes envisaged for teaching to junior cycle students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17654/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Under Section 30 of the Education Act 1998, the curriculum in schools is subject to my approval, following any consultation considered appropriate with the partners in education and the advice of National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. The NCCA has been asked to review the junior certificate and advise on the scope for reform designed to strengthen literacy and numeracy, embed key skills, promote active learning and enhanced creativity and innovation, and ensure appropriate ways of generating evidence of learning. Concerns have also been raised about curriculum overload, and rote learning.

The Council has completed a public consultation process and is finalising its advice to me on the direction of reform, in consultation with the partners in education. I expect the Council's advice in the Autumn. In advance of receipt of the detail of these proposals, it would not be appropriate for me to set out a definitive timeframe for implementation at this stage.

I would like to see movement on this for students entering second level in September 2012, but detailed implementation will need to be considered in the context of the proposals being presented and the resources available, and the need to prioritise the national literacy and numeracy strategy.

I am aware that teachers of history and geography have raised concerns that their subjects will no longer be compulsory. The requirement to study history and geography in a secondary school but to have different options in vocational schools is a historical anomaly which is no longer appropriate. I believe that students should have as wide a choice as is feasible in their schools given the overall level of student demand and interest, the teaching resources available, and the qualifications profile of staff. The importance of history and geography in promoting critical analysis skills, interculturalism, an understanding of human development, democracy, past and current world issues, and the skills for an environmentally sustainable life are fully appreciated. I will be guided by the NCCA's advice in this matter.