Written answers

Tuesday, 19 July 2016

Department of Education and Skills

School Curriculum

Photo of Maria BaileyMaria Bailey (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

246. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if Mandarin Chinese will be included on the curriculum for the leaving certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22179/16]

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Programme for a Partnership Government commits to a range of new subjects and this is something I will work on over the coming years. I intend to develop plans for new subjects beyond what is included in the Programme for Government.

As part of the new Framework for Junior Cycle, schools can decide to include a short course in Chinese language and Culture, prepared by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, in their junior cycle programme.

There is also currently a Transition Year module on Chinese, which was taken by 4,825 students in 2015.

My Department is currently considering the findings from a consultation process based on a policy document on Languages in Education published last year. Amongst the topics being considered in this context is the possibility of offering additional languages for the Leaving Certificate. It is expected that a languages strategy will be finalised in the second half of this year.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.