Civic, Social and Political Education
Encyclopedia
Civic, Social and Political Education (CSPE) is one of the compulsory subjects in the Junior Certificate
course in the Ireland
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The remaining 60% of the marks are given for a report on an Action Project performed by an entire class of students at a time. This has to be based on one of the core topics - e.g. workers rights, environmentalism, racism, human rights, etc.
On February 3, 2011 it was reported that the NCCA have finally given approval for the introduction of the subject. The Minister for Education and Skills will be responsible for integrating the subject within the curriculum. It has not yet to be confirmed when the subject will be introduced though it is expected sometime after 2012.
Junior Certificate
The Junior Certificate is an educational qualification awarded in Ireland by the Department of Education to students who have successfully completed the junior cycle of secondary education, and achieved a minimum standard in their Junior Cert. examinations...
course in the Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
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Further Details
- CSPE is a common level subject unlike other subjects in the curriculum. The course encourages civic responsibility through the development of skills of active participation and through the undertaking of Action Projects and teaches about the basis of the Irish political systemPolitics of the Republic of IrelandIreland is a parliamentary, representative democratic republic and a member state of the European Union. While the head of state is the popularly elected President of Ireland, this is a largely ceremonial position with real political power being vested in the indirectly elected Taoiseach who is...
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- There are seven key concepts in CSPE these include the promotion of Rights and Responsibilities, Human Dignity, StewardshipStewardshipStewardship is an ethic that embodies responsible planning and management of resources. The concept of stewardship has been applied in diverse realms, including with respect to environment, economics, health, property, information, and religion, and is linked to the concept of sustainability...
, Development, DemocracyDemocracyDemocracy is generally defined as a form of government in which all adult citizens have an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives. Ideally, this includes equal participation in the proposal, development and passage of legislation into law...
, LawLawLaw is a system of rules and guidelines which are enforced through social institutions to govern behavior, wherever possible. It shapes politics, economics and society in numerous ways and serves as a social mediator of relations between people. Contract law regulates everything from buying a bus...
and InterdependenceInterdependenceInterdependence is a relation between its members such that each is mutually dependent on the others. This concept differs from a simple dependence relation, which implies that one member of the relationship can function or survive apart from the other....
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Examination
A total of 40% of the marks in the exam are awarded for a written theory test, which includes such things as producing a poster, letter or article on a CSPE topic (such as poverty, racism, discrimination, etc.) and interpreting opinion polls.The written exam also has a number of short questions.The remaining 60% of the marks are given for a report on an Action Project performed by an entire class of students at a time. This has to be based on one of the core topics - e.g. workers rights, environmentalism, racism, human rights, etc.
Senior Cycle
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) are currently working on a subject which focuses on citizenship to be introduced as part of the Leaving Certificate curriculum. Politics and Society (currently working title) will be based on key sociological concepts. The purpose of this subject is to ensure students continue to hold the ability to be reflective and active citizens. The subject is to be introduced sometime before or shortly after 2012.On February 3, 2011 it was reported that the NCCA have finally given approval for the introduction of the subject. The Minister for Education and Skills will be responsible for integrating the subject within the curriculum. It has not yet to be confirmed when the subject will be introduced though it is expected sometime after 2012.