Written answers

Thursday, 14 February 2008

Department of Education and Science

School Curriculum

5:00 pm

Photo of Joanna TuffyJoanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 196: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the way primary and post-primary curricula incorporate awareness of the need to conserve energy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5928/08]

Photo of Mary HanafinMary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Social, Environmental and Scientific Education (SESE) is a specific area of learning at all levels in the primary school and incorporates the subjects of History, Geography and Science. The aims of social environmental and scientific education include to

To foster an understanding and concern for the interdependence of all humans, all living things, and the Earth on which they live

To foster a sense of responsibility for the long term care of the environment and a commitment to promote the sustainable use of the Earth's resources through his/her lifestyle and participation in collective environmental decision-making

Environmental Awareness and Care and Caring for the Environment are specific strands featured at every level of the primary Science and Geography curricula respectively. The content ranges from keeping the classroom tidy and caring for toys, disposing of litter, and appreciating that people share the environment with plant and animal life in the infant classes, to understanding ecosystems and the impact of human activity on the environment, becoming aware of the need to conserve resources, and the impact of science and technology in familiar contexts by sixth class. Global environmental issues such as farming practices, traffic congestion, pollution, ozone depletion, global warming etc are featured by sixth class. In History students study life, society, work and culture in the past, and its impact over time.

At second level, these subjects are continued at both junior and senior cycle level. In addition, the general themes of stewardship, respect for others and ethical and responsible decision-making are featured strongly in other subjects such as Social, Personal and Health Education, Civic Social and Political Education, Enterprise, Home Economics and Business Education. For example within Home Economics, issues such as management of the environment, renewable and non-renewable resources, recycling, pollution, social economic and technological change and its impact on families, housing (including energy efficient homes) are covered.

Environmental and Social Studies is one of the recommended areas of experience in the Transition Year programme. Within the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme, Science and the Environment is featured as part of the Science curriculum. Overall, education for sustainable development is a significant theme underpinning many subjects within the curriculum in our schools.

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