Written answers

Thursday, 19 February 2009

Department of Education and Science

School Curriculum

5:00 pm

Photo of Fergus O'DowdFergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 256: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will grant a request from a school (details supplied) in County Louth to assist in the restoration of pre-first year places as was available in previous years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6732/09]

Photo of Batt O'KeeffeBatt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Inspectorate of my Department conducted a Whole School Evaluation of the school in question in January 2008. The recommendation of the evaluation was that the current 'pre first year class' or 'four-year junior cycle' that was being offered at the school should be phased out and that the school should embark on a three-year junior cycle programme, as required by Section 21(1)(a) of the Rules and Programmes for Secondary Schools 2004/05. Accordingly, the provision of a four-year junior cycle programme, incorporating a pre first-year class by the school in question, does not comply with current regulations governing the operation of secondary schools, as set out in the Rules and Programmes.

The Whole School Evaluation recommendation was that the school should be given a period of grace, but that the practice should be discontinued following the 2008/2009 school year. As a result the school has been requested by my Department to implement this recommendation that the school offer a three year junior cycle programme, effective from the 2009/2010 school year, and to ensure that all prospective parents and students for the 2009/2010 school year are informed of this change in advance of enrolment.

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