Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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68. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reasoning behind the subject of history not being a compulsory subject for the junior certificate; and the reason this decision was taken. [42050/18]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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One of the key aims of Junior Cycle Reform was to move from a large number of subjects with heavy curricula examined in a traditional memory based way. After a very detailed consultation process the NCCA recommended a new approach:

- limited compulsory subjects around basic literacy and numeracy

- 24 statements of learning

It is important to say that the 24 statements of learning include important elements which cultivate a historical perspective.

The new Junior Cycle Programme has also greatly enlivened subjects with a new emphasis on projects and self directed learning. This new approach is particularly evidence in history which will encourage take up of this lively and attractive subject.

The new approach gives students more choice and options which will be very valuable in their personal development. There will be 21 subjects and numerous short courses when all subjects are rolled out.

When it comes to compulsion it should be said that history prior to the introduction of the Framework for Junior Cycle was only a core subject in voluntary secondary schools (52% of schools). However, it is important to note that currently some 90% of students across all school types choose to study History at Junior Cycle.

A case could be made for compulsion in Science, Foreign Languages, Geography etc which would totally undermine the vision for Junior Cycle reform.

It is questionable the value of conscription when seeking to create the sort of engagement aimed for in junior cycle.