Shorter history courses mooted

THE Minister for Education has suggested the introduction of short courses in history and geography, in compensation for the proposed dropping of both courses as core subjects at Junior Cert level.

Ms Breathnach has directed the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) to advise her on how a balanced and broad curriculum including history and geography and other subjects - can be offered to all students. This follows widespread criticism of the proposed removal of history as a core subject to Junior Cert level, a proposal first made in the White Paper on Education published last year.

The Minister emphasised that no discussion had yet taken place, nor had any decisions been taken in relation to history and geography at junior cycle. She promised to await the report of the NCCA before publishing details of any amended arrangements.

At present Irish, English, maths, history and geography are compulsory Junior Cert subjects, but for secondary schools only. In vocational, community and comprehensive schools, Irish, English and maths are the only compulsory subjects. At Leaving Cert level, only Irish is compulsory in all types of school.

The likelihood is that modular courses will be developed, to fit more subjects into the increasingly crowded school timetable. Relationships and sexuality education, civic, social and personal education, technology, the performing arts and modern languages are just some of the areas for which greater access to the timetable is being sought.

The proposal to drop history as a core subject has already caused concern among some members of the NCCA, which would then have to increase the amount of history taught at primary level.

"But primary schoolchildren are too young for this; the result could be the kind of indoctrination of Irish history that previous generations had to undergo," said one member.

Prominent historians such as Dr Conor Cruise O'Brien and Prof John A. Murphy have lent their support to history teachers in their opposition to the proposal, with some arguing that the decision by a Labour Minister is ideologically motivated.

This has been strongly denied by Ms Breathnach, who pointed out yesterday that no developments have taken place since the proposal was first made in the White Paper 12 months ago.