An expert report has recommended that technology, now taught only to 12-15 years olds, should be extended and taught as a Leaving Certificate subject.
The report, prepared by a team headed by Dr Seamus McGuinness of TCD and based on surveys of principals and teachers, found that 90 per cent of schools which provide the subject at Junior Certificate want it "extended upwards to the senior cycle as an optional subject".
Technology was introduced as a `stand- alone' second-level subject in 1989, and is now taken in over 200 schools and by 9,000 students. Much of the provision depended on schools' ability to pay for new facilities or the refurbishment of existing rooms.
"Principals reported that the main constraint they experienced in implementing the subject was financial; the provision of a resource grant of £5,000 proved to be totally inadequate for this purpose", says the report.
Against expectations, examination statistics have shown that the new subject has proved more attractive to boys than girls, although there has also been a strong uptake among girls.
Among the report's recommendations to the Department of Education are: a "fundamental reappraisal" of the technology syllabus to develop a "more coherent rationale" for it; the Department to prepare standard specifications for the design of technology rooms and for basic equipment; a "positive action programme" to persuade more girls to take it up; criteria to be prepared for its teaching at Leaving Certificate level; and the integration of technology, materials technology (wood) and metalwork into "one coherent and distinctive area of study", supported by proper funding and resources.
A National Council for Curriculum and Assessment course committee has prepared a draft Leaving technology course, which is currently under consideration.