Anne Ferris (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 221: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the reform of the core curriculum for the junior certificate and specifically the inclusion of geography as a core subject; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27111/11]

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 is currently finalising its advice to me on the direction of reform, in consultation with the partners in education. I expect to receive the advice shortly.

I am aware that teachers of geography have raised concerns that their subjects will no longer be compulsory. The requirement to study geography in a secondary school but to have different options in vocational schools is a historical anomaly which is no longer appropriate. 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 geography 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.