Revamp of Leaving Cert on the cards
The proposals, the result of consultation with education professionals and other interest groups, will be presented to the Government before Christmas.
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, which advises Education Minister Noel Dempsey on policy, envisages major changes to the Leaving Cert and day-to-day running of second level schools by 2010 to include:
* Longer classes for older students.
* Time between classes for students to research.
* Teachers to meet students in small groups or individually to monitor assignments.
* The option of a two or three-year senior cycle.
* A longer school day 8am to 6pm.
Central to the plan is the overhaul of the Leaving Certificate. All students will be assessed between January and June of the final year and some courses will be assessed at the end of the first and second year. The final written exams will only represent a percentage of the overall mark.
It also envisages more involvement by senior students in school policies on behaviour, dress code and health promotion.
The proposals were broadly welcomed by teacher unions but they expressed reservations about the availability of Government funding.
"The policies would depend on proper investment being put in place and, in the current budgetary climate, this investment seems unlikely," an Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland spokesperson said.
Teachers Union of Ireland president Derek Dunne said some of the changes could be difficult for small, understaffed schools. He said proposals for continuous assessment by teachers would only be agreed as long as staff received training, external monitoring, additional pay and time to do the work.
Union of Secondary Students president Daire Hickey said the ideas were all positive and the norm for many European countries.
Mr Dempsey said the education system has to become more flexible. He said he would provide whatever resources could be made available.
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