Press release
Minister Foley announces post graduate upskilling programme for post-primary SPHE/RSE teachers
Published on
Last updated on
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister for Education Norma Foley today announced a new postgraduate programme to upskill registered post-primary teachers teaching Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) and Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE).
This programme, funded by the Department of Education and provided by Dublin City University (DCU) Institute of Education, will provide a pathway for progression for post-primary teachers interested in developing their skills in teaching SPHE/RSE and in so doing build capacity and leadership within the teaching profession in relation to teaching in this important area.
Minister Foley said:
“I am delighted to provide teachers with access to this new postgraduate programme developed for post-primary teachers of SPHE/RSE. Schools and teachers will be supported to access the upskilling programme with the programme fees covered by department funding and facilitation of substitute cover to allow participating students to undertake the programme.
“The role of the SPHE/RSE teacher is complex, with a range of sensitive topics addressed in the classroom. Teachers need ongoing, appropriate teacher professional development to support them in this important work. In addition, curricular changes at both junior and senior cycle level are imminent. This new programme will take account of these changes as they emerge. The programme will lead to enhanced teacher competency to successfully implement these curricular changes.
“I encourage any teacher of RSE/SPHE who is eligible to avail of this opportunity. The first cohort of students will be able to commence in January, and we hope, depending on demand, to offer further intakes to the programme in the future.”
The DCU Institute of Education programme is a blended learning approach with the aim to upskill teachers’ pedagogical practice and leadership skills in relation to the delivery of SPHE/RSE in post-primary schools. The programme will provide substantial theoretical and practical continuing professional development for each participant.
Following a tender process DCU Institute of Education has been selected as the course provider. Dr Catherine Maunsell, Associate Professor of Psychology and Education, DCU Institute of Education, said:
“We are delighted to develop and deliver this landmark Graduate Diploma in Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) and Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) with the support of the Department of Education. This one-year, part-time, blended programme aims to build post-primary teachers' competence, confidence and leadership in the teaching of SPHE/RSE, meeting the needs of young people in our 21st century classrooms.”
The closing date for application for the programme is 5pm on 7 December 2022.
Further details on the programme, including eligibility and how to apply, for both schools and interested applicant teachers are in Circular 0073/2022, which has been published to all post-primary schools today. A copy of this circular is available.
In April 2018, the then Minister for Education and Skills asked the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) to undertake a major review of RSE in schools across all stages of education to ensure that it is fit for purpose and meets the needs of young people today in modern Ireland. The NCCA published the report of its review in December 2019. The NCCA report is available.
Subsequent to the report, the NCCA established two subject development groups, one for primary and one for post-primary, to oversee the work in this area and support the development of guidance material for schools. Preparation for redeveloping and updating the SPHE curriculum is ongoing.
A draft revised junior cycle specification is due to be agreed at NCCA Council followed by a public consultation when schools return in September. The final revised specification is due to be completed by the end of 2022 and rolled out in schools from September 2023. Updated specifications for primary and senior cycle will follow immediately afterwards.