The draft Leaving Cert history syllabus, together with a questionnaire, will be distributed to all ASTI schools during the coming days. The proposals, with their novel emphasis on in-depth study, evidence-handling and research skills, represent a radical departure. The syllabus is also different in its emphasis on requiring students to develop expertise in working with documents.

In addition, students at both higher and ordinary levels will be required to involve themselves in a research study/portfolio. John O'Sullivan, ASTI history convenor and chairman of the NCCA Leaving Cert history course committee, urges teachers to fill in the questionnaire and return it without delay as the consultation deadline is fast approaching.