Department 'can't afford' key Leaving Cert reform package
Education Minister Mary Hanafin has sent shockwaves through the education system with a decision to delay the introduction of technology in the teaching of three subjects.
The proposed changes are part of a wider modernisation of the Leaving Certificate.
However, the department says it cannot afford the changes in the short term because of other demands, such as the school building programme and catering for students with special needs.
The decision was relayed to the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), the education advisory body responsible for drawing up the new and revised syllabuses. Subjects involved are Architectural Technology, replacing Construction Studies; Engineering Technology, replacing Engineering, and a revised syllabus in Art.
In all cases, change would involve the use of cutting-edge technology in the classroom, including computer-aided design, and so equip them for society, further study and the workplace.
Modernising the syllabus has financial implications, such as the cost of training teachers and the purchase of equipment.
Disappointment
Expressing disappointment, Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) general secretary John White said: "The decision to put a stop to essential reform in subjects such as art and technology has consequences for the development of the whole second-level curriculum, the educational development of young people, and Ireland's future economic wellbeing."
Employers' body IBEC also expressed "disappointment that the Department of Education and Science has backtracked".
Kathryn Raleigh, director of IBEC's technology division, ICT Ireland, said they would be looking for the department to commit to a timeframe for the introduction of the new and revised syllabuses.
The revision of the senior cycle was intended to allow for continuity in changes that have already taken place at Junior Certificate level.
The revised syllabus includes project-based work allowing students to show creativity not possible in an exam situation.
Architectural Technology and Engineering Technology were part of a package of four new and revised technology subjects announced by Ms Hanafin in November 2006 -- two of which, Design and Communications Graphics and Technology, were rolled out last September.
