Second-level overhaul could result in fewer exam subjects

FEWER exam subjects and less focus on assessments for the Junior Certificate could be in prospect for students starting second level in the next few years.

While Education Minister Batt O’Keeffe outlined these aims in June, the plans are expected to move forward with a series of discussion papers and conferences in the next few months.

As more than 55,500 students collected their Junior Certificate results yesterday, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) was finalising a paper for its next meeting later this month which addresses the way forward in examining the issues put forward by the minister.

He envisions changes to the early years of second level that would remove some of the negative experience of junior cycle students highlighted in 2007 research by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).

It raised the difficulties and changes experienced by children moving from primary to second level and the lack of flexibility noted by schools because of the need to prepare students for the Junior Certificate.

But while issues like reducing the number of exam subjects could be brought in within a shorter period, it is understood other changes, like improved continuity between primary and second level or different teaching approaches, would take longer to be introduced.

Educate Together has applied to open a number of second-level schools for those leaving some of its 56 multi-denominational primary schools. Its second-level blueprint said students might not be entered for the exams at all.

“While we need to make sure a range of options are open to students, and that no student is disadvantaged by not having received a Junior Certificate, a policy of not entering students for this exam just as a matter of course will allow us to move away from the ‘coverage’ model which is currently the norm,” its second-level project manager Emer Nowlan said.

She said not doing the Junior Certificate would not disadvantage students as the lifelong learning skills they would gain from the Educate Together approach would mean they are perfectly placed to achieve their full potential in the Leaving Certificate and beyond.

Meanwhile, Protestant parents have expressed fears of being denied the long-standing choice of educating their children in line with their ethos if the Government adopts cuts proposed by An Bord Snip Nua. It suggests further staffing cuts for fee-paying schools, which include Protestant schools where some students have to board because they do not have a Protestant ethos school near there homes, which might push up costs for parents.

The Protestant Parents’ Association said the proposals will have a devastating effect on many families who will no longer be able to send their children to a school of their faith.

“We are prepared to play our part given Ireland’s economic crisis, but our children must be treated in an equitable manner, given the stark economic realities that our schools face,” a spokesperson said.