Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 113: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he is committed to retaining history as a compulsory subject at junior certificate level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25543/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The NCCA has been asked to review the junior certificate and advise on the scope for reform designed to strengthen literacy and numeracy, embed key skills, promote active learning and enhanced creativity and innovation, and ensure appropriate ways of generating evidence of learning. Concerns have also been raised about curriculum overload, and rote learning.

The Council has completed a public consultation process and is finalising its advice to me on the direction of reform, in consultation with the partners in education. I expect the Council's advice shortly.

I am aware that teachers of history have raised concerns that their subjects will no longer be compulsory in voluntary secondary schools. I believe that students should have as wide a choice as is feasible in their schools given the overall level of student demand and interest, the teaching resources available, and the qualifications profile of staff. The importance of history in promoting critical analysis skills, interculturalism, an understanding of human development, democracy, past and current world issues, and the skills for an environmentally sustainable life are fully appreciated. I will be guided by the NCCA's advice in this matter.