Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

340. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if other modules will be rolled out for the level two learning programme for September 2025 in view of the fact that only literacy and numeracy are available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13334/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will be aware, the Senior Cycle Redevelopment Programme's vision is for equity and excellence in education.

The approach to Senior Cycle redevelopment is ambitious, optimistic and inclusive and will be in phases. Senior Cycle redevelopment will ensure that the diversity of students’ learning needs and strengths are addressed and that all learning pathways in school are accessible and equally valued. It will broaden the approaches used to assess and accredit students’ achievement, to better reflect and encourage the learning we wish to promote.

In a redeveloped Senior Cycle, real opportunities to progress and consolidate learning are becoming available for students of Level 1 and Level 2 Learning Programmes, similar to those programmes at Junior Cycle. Schools can begin to make the first phase of the L1/L2 learning programme modules available to students, based on needs identified following a robust, collaborative information-gathering process, guided by the Continuum of Support Framework.

There are four curriculum areas at the heart of the Level 1 and Level 2 Learning Programmes: Numeracy, Communication and Literacy, Personal Care and Electives. Each elective module is designed for approximately 60 hours of teaching time/class contact time.

The Senior Cycle Level 1 and Level 2 Learning Programmes Statement was published in September 2024 and currently two Curriculum Areas and associated modules have been published and are available to schools: Numeracy, and Communication and Literacy. These curriculum areas and associated modules were developed to consolidate, continue and progress students' learning from their junior cycle learning experiences.

Additional modules in Personal Care and more electives are in various stages of development with a number of L1 and L2 electives already published for consultation. A public consultation on these elective modules took place from 6 January to 28 February 2025. The consultation is now closed. These elective modules are Drama, Literature, Looking After My Environment, My Life, my Finance, and Physical Education. It is intended that these elective modules will be available for September 2025.

During this introductory phase the NCCA is working with schools, including special schools, teachers and students to develop appropriate resources, case studies and assessment guidelines.

In order to ensure a personalised approach to the programme, it is necessary that supports are designed in consultation with the teachers who are implementing the Curriculum Areas, and with the students themselves. This is required to ensure that the approach is appropriate, nuanced and meaningful for the students.

During 2024/25 Oide has been providing a comprehensive programme of L1/L2 Professional Learning Events to support teachers in both special schools and post-primary schools. Further events are planned for next year.

The development of more Senior Cycle L1/L2 modules is planned and will provide enhanced options so that students can follow comprehensive learning programmes at levels 1 and 2 that are most appropriate to their needs.