TUI critical of Leaving Cert Art syllabus delays

FUNDING difficulties have caused a four year delay in the introduction of a new syllabus in Leaving Certificate Art and have stalled the introduction of two new technology subjects, teachers have claimed.

More than 10,000 students take art in the Leaving Certificate each summer and a new syllabus approved by the Department of Education four years ago was aimed at modernising the approach and content of the subject.

But the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) yesterday expressed frustration at the continued delay in implementing the new course, which should begin with professional development for those who will be teaching it. There would also be funding requirements to upgrade art classrooms with suitable equipment in some second level schools.

“Art teachers are concerned that if the subject isn’t modernised, it will lose popularity. We support changes being discussed for maths and science but there is no reason why plans for other subjects should be left to gather dust,” said TUI education and research officer Bernie Judge.

“The department has offered a pitiful excuse for these delays, claiming that insufficient resources are available for upgrading facilities and providing essential professional development,” she said.

The issue was raised on the same day a study by the Economic and Social Research Institute showed that a person’s level of education has the strongest influence on whether they attend arts events.

“It’s important that we keep an interest in the creative arts, and encourage people to take part in the subject because not everybody can be or wants to be an engineer or scientist,” Ms Judge said.

Teacher unions have also been told by the Department of Education that plans to begin professional development for engineering technology and architectural technology, formerly engineering and construction studies, have been put on hold. They were due to begin next September, following last year’s initial investment in two other Leaving Certificate subjects — technology, and design and communication graphics.

The TUI has sought urgent clarification from Education Minister Mary Hanafin on her plans and accused her department of making empty promises.

“This is an insult, not just to those involved in designing them, but to students, parents and the wider body of teachers,” she said.

A department spokesperson said implementation of the new syllabi will require very significant funding.

“It has not been possible to secure funds... However, the issue will be kept under ongoing review, with a view to proceeding with implementation as quickly as possible,” she said.