Department of Education set to review decision to remove history as co…

THE Department of Education is set to review the decision to remove history as one of the core subjects in the Junior Cert cycle.

The move was part of a major junior cycle shake-up being introduced to the educational system on a phased basis.

But Education Minister Joe McHugh has confirmed the decision to remove history as a mandatory subject will be reviewed.

History was struck off as one of the core subjects in the junior cert cycle last September – leaving just Irish, English and maths as mandatory classes.

Speaking at the Fine Gael’s Ard Fheis in Dublin he said: “It’s already recognised that history is generally the fifth most popular subject in the Junior Certificate examination.

“That shows the demand is there both from the teachers who attract students to the subject through their own love and passion for education and learning and by engaging the natural curiosity of students.

“Schools have the freedom to shape their teaching in line with resources, the needs of students and their educational philosophies. We want to build on that.

“I believe it is through learning the lessons of our past that we can plan for our future. And the past century and more has been an immense period for Ireland.

“Even the events of the last week with our nearest neighbours, trying to plot their Brexit, provide testimony to that.

“The importance of understanding our shared history cannot be clearer and while we have deepened our relations in recent years we can use our understanding of history to build on those.

“It’s also in the context of marking the end of the First World War and how we commemorate anniversaries of the War of Independence, Civil War and Partition.

“I look forward to meeting officials from the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment in the next week or so to determine how we progress this.”

President Michael D Higgins previously expressed concern over the new junior cycle.

He said earlier this year: “I share your deep and profound concern with the new junior cycle, in which history is now no longer a core subject.

“A knowledge and understanding of history is intrinsic to our shared citizenship.”