Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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On 29?March?2022, I announced an ambitious programme of work for a reimagined Senior Cycle, including the development of an updated Transition Year Programme Statement for introduction into schools in 2024. The updated Programme Statement will replace the current Guidelines for Schools document which was introduced in 1993 and which has been kept under regular review by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) from 1995 onwards.

Each school has autonomy in developing their Transition Year (TY) Programme to suit the needs and interests of their pupils. The programme statement provides a guidance framework for schools that supports this autonomy, allows for school-led innovation, and facilitates collaboration between schools and their localities as pupils are encouraged to become engaged citizens and explore a range of future pathways. Each school will balance curriculum components to include continuity learning, subject sampling, TY specific modules, and additional learning experiences. The autonomy of schools in designing their own TY programmes in line with the dimensions outlined in the Programme Statement facilitates schools to “build additional capacity, offering students a wider range of components, while also supporting and promoting internal professional learning, creativity and collaboration.”

Work on the development of a revised Transition Year Programme Statement has been undertaken within the structures of the NCCA. A background paper and brief for the review and revision of the Programme Statement was prepared in late 2022 and a public consultation on the background paper was concluded in December 2022. Following the development of the background paper and brief, a development group for the revised Programme Statement was convened.

The draft Programme Statement for a Revised Transition Year was published in June 2023 and a public consultation on the draft concluded on 20 October 2023.A public online survey on the Programme Statement was available in addition to an online survey directed at post-primary schools. Information Webinars for teachers, parents, and stakeholder groups including the Transition Year-Teacher Professional Network and with the Irish Second level Students Union (ISSU) were organised. Work has continued within the NCCA to further update and finalise the draft Programme Statement following the consultation.

I understand that the draft Transition Year Programme Statement will be submitted to me in the coming weeks for my approval prior to its introduction in schools in the 2024/2025 school year.

It may also interest the Deputy to note that the draft specification for the new Leaving Certificate subject of Drama, Film and Theatre Studies is expected to be made available for public consultation in the coming weeks. Drama, Film and Theatre Studies will extend the options available to students in the creative arts and provide them with an opportunity to engage critically and practically with these cultural forms. The subject will initially be rolled out on a phased basis, beginning in the 2025/2026 school year. Details of how schools can apply to participate in the first phase will also be made available in the coming weeks.