Letter to the Editor: Our heritage benefits from history at Junior Cycle
The Institute of Archaeologists of Ireland (IAI) welcomes the conferring of “special core status” to history at Junior Cycle by Minister for Education Joe McHugh.
This will allow for the continued education and awareness of younger generations about the origins and development of Irish and international heritage.
The aim of the IAI, through the representation of our members, is to advance and strengthen the profession of archaeology in Ireland. It represents members working in the public sector, the private sector, as well as museums and academia.
Since the establishment of this State, an appreciation of history has been engrained into its ethos.
The National Monuments Act 1930 and its subsequent amendments have shown a legislative awareness of the importance of Irish heritage, both historic and prehistoric.
Beyond the seats of the Dáil, a deep-rooted knowledge of Irish history, prehistory and mythology is ever-present among the people of this island.
The securing of history as a core subject at Junior Cycle does much to guarantee an on-going appreciation of Irish and world heritage.
This act supports many of the governments’ goals and aspirations relating to communities and their history, as set out in strategic development plans, such as Heritage Ireland 2030 and Investing in our Culture, Language & Heritage 2018-2027.
These strategic plans can only be of value if the greater community appreciates the role of the heritage behind them, which engagement at a young age ensures.
Heritage Ireland 2030 begins with the statement: “As Ireland grows there is an opportunity and a need to rethink how we care for heritage so that it can be protected, celebrated and enjoyed now and long into the future.”
With history as a basic building block of this goal, the Government is taking a positive step towards achieving these objectives.
Under Project Ireland 2040, the Government promises to “allow greater cultural participation by citizens all across Ireland through increasing the capacity of the entire cultural sector”.
An early introduction through the subject of history can lead young people into a later career. Many people working in the cultural sector today studied history as a second-level subject.
To ensure uptake of careers — historians, archaeologists, museologists, amongst others — by secondary students today and in coming years, history is key.
It plays a significant role in encouraging people to consider and develop professions related to history, archaeology, heritage and tourism.
