Written answers

Wednesday, 22 January 2025

Department of Education and Skills

School Curriculum

Photo of Malcolm ByrneMalcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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632. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the introduction of the two new pilot subjects for the Leaving Certificate (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1705/25]

Photo of Norma FoleyNorma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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In 2022, I announced an ambitious programme of work for a reimagined Senior Cycle where the student is at the centre of their Senior Cycle experience.

The redevelopment programme includes the development of specifications for two new subjects, , and which were published by the NCCA in 2024.

It is important to note that the two new subjects are not pilot subjects and are being introduced on a phased basis through a number of selected schools, known as Phase One Schools, from the start of the 2025/26 school year. Taking this phased approach allows selected schools to be supported in the introduction of the new subject and for reflection on the effectiveness of those supports as more schools subsequently offer the subject.

A by schools interested in becoming a Phase One School closed in April 2024 which set out the suite of supports to be provided to participant schools. The list of 100 selected Phase One schools is available online;.

It is expected that national rollout of the two new subjects would commence in the 2027/28 school year. All Phase One Schools will be provided with the technical resources required to establish the new subject department in their school. A Request for tenders to establish a multi-supplier framework agreement for the provision of resources for Drama, Film and Theatre Studies is currently underway and live on eTenders.

Earlier this month, my Department issued informing the management authorities of second-level schools of the prescribed material for Leaving Certificate Drama, Film and Theatre Studies in the academic years 2025-27, 2026-28 and 2027-2029.

The introduction of the new specifications is supported by a comprehensive four-year teacher professional learning (TPL) programme for the subjects provided by Oide. Oide is currently working with over 180 teachers in the Phase One schools in advance of the introduction of the two new subjects. The four year TPL programme is designed to provide the necessary professional learning and supports to teachers both ahead of the introduction of the subjects and on an ongoing basis as students and teachers experience the new specifications and assessment arrangements first-hand in classroom.

The Teaching Council has commenced the process to determine the subject registration criteria for Drama, Film and Theatre Studies and Climate Action and Sustainable Development. These requirements will be published by the Teaching Council when finalised and made available on their website.

The introduction of these two new subjects builds on the innovation of recent years which has included the introduction of new subjects in Politics and Society, Computer Science and Physical Education. The introduction of the two new subjects this coming September is an important step in realising the vision for a redeveloped Senior Cycle.

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