Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 178: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if post-primary schools have full discretion regarding the subjects they provide for leaving certificate programmes, or if he can influence this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11413/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Rules and Programme for Secondary Schools require that all schools offer an approved syllabus in the following subjects:

*Irish, English, Mathematics,

*Science or a language other than Irish and English; or a subject of the Business Studies Group,

*Civic, Social and Political Education and Social, Personal and Health Education (at junior cycle)

* History and Geography in a secondary school, or Technical Graphics or Art Craft Design or Home Economics or Business Studies in a vocational school, and either option in a community and comprehensive school

* a physical education programme, and a Relationship and Sexuality Education programme in senior cycle.

The Department has also stipulated a specific format for participation in the Leaving Certificate Applied and the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programmes. Other than this, schools have discretion as to what subjects they may offer, from the 34 approved subjects for the Leaving Certificate, and the 25 subjects at Junior Certificate. Such decisions are of necessity made at school level taking account of the overall staffing resources available to the school, the level of demand, the viability of class groups, the mix of programmes and levels being offered, the qualifications profile of staff, and student and parent interests.