Jim D'Arcy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister for Education and Skills spoke eloquently this morning on radio about junior cycle reform. The new junior cycle programme will begin for students in 2014 and among the key features will be a focus on literacy, numeracy and other key skills. The changes will be made incrementally and the first subject to be affected is English, with the first assessment in 2018. The Minister has acknowledged that teachers have concerns that will be addressed. That is welcome. I recall that when the primary school curriculum was being overhauled, for each subject there were three days of in-service training; two outside and one inside the school. There will be one day's in-service training in the case of the new junior cycle programme. The new English curriculum is quite complex and will need much discussion. It is welcome that the Minister is committed to discussing the issue with the unions.

We had a debate in this House on the teaching of history. Some regretted that it would no longer be compulsory. While I opposed the motion on that occasion, I recognise the importance of history in the junior cycle secondary school curriculum and think we should all insist on it receiving a strong place in the new programme. As the discussions develop with the unions and teachers, I would welcome an opportunity to hear the Minister's views on the progress being made on this very important reform of the education system.