Sir, – Aidan Cavey (August 16th) rightly points out that the Leaving Certificate art course is in dire need of reform; both in terms of teaching and examination.
The curriculum has not been updated since the 1970s. It entirely neglects the emergence of digital media and the advances in modern technology generally, as well as the leaps and bounds which have been made in pedagogical practice.
In 2005, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment presented a fully-worked proposal to update and restructure the course, but this was stymied by the Department of Finance which – even in those halcyon days – said that the funds were not available. Instead, we were to have money pumped into the “priority” subjects – for which, read “commercially useful”. This was to the detriment of the development of creativity and an appreciation for the non-material side of our culture.
If ever there were a time when Ireland was in need of iconoclasts and creative thinkers, it is today. It is a pity that our education system is not reflective of this reality. – Yours, etc,
CATHAL MALONE,
Hillcrest,
Carrigaline,
Co Cork.