Update: Changes in School Curriculum – Education 8th October, 2014

Uimhir:175

Ceist Pharlaiminte

Chun an Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíoctha
To the Minister for Education and Science

To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which any changes in
the school curriculum are required or have been identified as necessary in
order to facilitate work place requirements; and if she will make a statement
on the matter.
– Bernard J. Durkan.

* For WRITTEN answer on Wednesday, 8th October, 2014.
Reference Number: 38447/14

Freagra

Minister Jan O’Sullivan

As the deputy is aware, the new Junior Cycle programme is currently being
introduced to schools on a phased basis.   As part of this change key skills are
being built into every subject.   These include skills such as communicating,
working with other and managing information and thinking.   Over the course of
the three year Junior Cycle, every student should have the opportunity to “take
initiative, be innovative and develop Entrepreneurial skills”.

There are already measures in place to support students in gaining useful
skills for the workplace.   For example, in Transition Year as well as the
opportunity for work placement, students can take part in enterprise units and
in student enterprise competitions such as the Student Enterprise award and the
mini company “Get up and Go” competition. The mini-company involves students in
research, planning, establishing a business, perhaps experiencing some risks
and some failures €“ before getting it right, marketing, making or providing a
service/product, drafting accounts, writing a report and finally winding down
the company.

Furthermore, in Senior Cycle students taking the Leaving Certificate Vocational
Programme and the Leaving Certificate Applied are provided with specific
opportunities to acquire enterprise skills.   These programmes place a strong
focus on active learning, community-based approaches, personal development and
teamwork.   Students also engage in work experience.