Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The whole thrust of the junior cycle reforms serves to bring a holistic approach to teaching at second level, which we do not have at present.

If one meets primary school teachers, they will tell one they are teachers and that they teach children. However, I have heard too many secondary school teachers state they are history, chemistry or science teachers. It is precisely because of this silo concentration manifested by some, not all, teachers that we are trying to have a holistic approach to the curriculum at second level in order that it is similar to that at primary level. In that context, the use of history for a variety of differing learning outcomes will mean it retain its current primary role. The History Teachers Association of Ireland certainly has articulated these concerns and all I would say to those teachers is to engage productively with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, NCCA, to work with it and to ensure the core values of an historical education are retained within the new curricular development. While I do not believe there is any conflict there at all, I recognise many teachers are fearful and I wish to address those fears.

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