Conference planned to discuss reforms

THE best ways to ease the pressure of college entry and ensure students are not at risk of dropping out of third-level courses will be debated at a major conference next month.

As part of a range of reforms under discussion around higher education entry, including proposals being sought by Education Minister Ruairi Quinn from colleges themselves, the event will bring together school and third-level representatives as well as hearing from students.

The Higher Education Authority and National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, which both advise the minister on policy matters, are jointly arranging the event as the first step in a wider public consultation on the issue.

Mr Quinn reiterated this week that he wants the points system dramatically reformed to reduce the pressure it puts on students.

There are strong calls for more continuous assessment, in an extension of changes already being finalised for the three-year cycle leading to the Junior Certificate.