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Cúinne an Ghiorria: Arts Education, a Core Curriculum and the Conundrums of Policy

image of Cúinne an Ghiorria: Arts Education, a Core Curriculum and the Conundrums of Policy

This chapter addresses the complexities of contemporary curriculum planning and the emergent role of arts education in Ireland, in three parts. Firstly, a brief overview of developments curriculum developments over the past half-century is provided. This discussion is framed by reference to two official documents pertaining to the post-primary curriculum, separated by that half-century. Informed by this reflection, the second part addresses our collective understanding of what might constitute a core curriculum, whether as a listing of compulsory subjects or as a more comprehensive statement of desired learning outcomes. Thirdly the role and potential of arts education and arts-based learning is discussed, with particular reference to post-primary education. These curriculum visions are viewed with reference to the concept of a ‘core curriculum’ and the notion of key skills for the 21st century. Finally, the extent to which, and the channels through which, arts educators can engage with these issues are considered.

Keywords: Arts-Based Learning ; Compulsory Subjects ; Creativity ; Key Skills ; Stem/Steam ; Teacher Autonomy

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References

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References

  1. Council of Education (1962), Report on the Curriculum of the Secondary School (1962), Dublin: The Stationery Office.
     [Google Scholar]
  2. Cuban, Larry (1984), How Teachers Taught: Constancy and Change in American Classrooms 1890–1980, New York: Teachers College Press.
     [Google Scholar]
  3. Curriculum Examinations Board (CEB) (1986), In Our Schools: A Framework for Curriculum and Assessment, Dublin: Interim Curriculum and Examinations Board.
     [Google Scholar]
  4. DAHG/DES (2012), Arts in Education Charter, Dublin: Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht/Department of Education and Skills.
     [Google Scholar]
  5. Davis, Jessica Hoffman (2007), Why Our Schools Need the Arts, New York: Teachers College Press.
     [Google Scholar]
  6. DES (2011), Literacy and Numeracy for Learning and Life: The National Strategy to Improve Literacy and Numeracy among Children and Young People, 2011–2020, Dublin: Department of Education and Skills.
     [Google Scholar]
  7. DES (2012), Framework for Junior Cycle, Dublin: Department of Education and Skills.
     [Google Scholar]
  8. Elmore, Richard F. (1996), ‘School reform, teaching and learning’, Journal of Education Policy, 11, pp. 499–505.
     [Google Scholar]
  9. Ferriter, Diarmaid (2015), A Nation and not a Rabble: The Irish Revolution, 1913–1923, London: Profile Books.
     [Google Scholar]
  10. Government of Ireland (1980), White Paper on Educational Development, Dublin: The Stationery Office.
     [Google Scholar]
  11. Government of Ireland (2017), Óige Ildánach/Creative Youth, Dublin: Government of Ireland.
     [Google Scholar]
  12. Hetland, Lois, Winner, Ellen, Veenema, Shirley and Sheridan, Kimberly M. (2013), Studio Thinking 2: The Real Benefits of Visual Arts Education, New York: Teachers College Press.
     [Google Scholar]
  13. NCCA (2024), ‘Geography’, Curriculum Online, https://www.curriculumonline.ie/junior-cycle/junior-cycle-subjects/geography/statements-of-learning/. Accessed 9 October 2024.
  14. OECD (1991), Review of National Policies for Education: Ireland, Paris: OECD.
     [Google Scholar]
  15. OECD (1995), Education at a Glance: Attitudes to Schooling, Paris: OECD.34
     [Google Scholar]
  16. OECD (2010), PISA 2009 Results: What Students Know and Can Do – Student Performance in Reading, Mathematics and Science, vol. 1, Paris: OECD, http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/9789264091450-en.
     [Google Scholar]
  17. Randles, Eileen (1975), Post-primary Education in Ireland, 1957–1970, Dublin: Veritas.
     [Google Scholar]
  18. Read, Herbert (1943), Education through Art, London: Faber.
     [Google Scholar]
  19. Sarason, Seymour B. (1990), The Predictable Failure of Educational Reform: Can We Change Course before It Is Too Late? Oxford, Jossey-Bass.
     [Google Scholar]
  20. The Arts Council (1979), The Place of the Arts in Irish Education, Dublin: Arts Council.
     [Google Scholar]
  21. Tuairim (1962), Irish Education, London:Tuairim-London Research Group Pamphlet.
     [Google Scholar]
  22. Wagner, Ernst (2019), ‘Arts education and sustainable development’, in G. Coutts and T. Torres de Eça (eds), Learning through Art: Lessons for the 21st Century, Sao Salvador, Viseu: InSEA Publications, pp. 152–67.
     [Google Scholar]
  23. Winner, Ellen and Hetland, Lois (2008), ‘Art for our sake: School arts classes matter more than ever-but not for the reasons you think’, Arts Education Policy Review, 109:5, pp. 29–32, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/23980. Accessed 5 December 2022.
     [Google Scholar]

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