Plans to radically reform Junior Cert still on agenda

THE Government remains committed to radically reforming the Junior Certificate by 2012, with the growing possibility that a mixture of continuous assessment and “objective” external tests will make up the new exam.

Education Minister Ruairi Quinn has confirmed the change remains on the agenda as part of attempts to revolutionise Ireland’s education system.

Meanwhile, while Mr Quinn also said there will be “no change” to the system whereby the state partially funds private schools, he has warned the sector to stop blocking parents of children with disabilities or special needs from enrolling in the facilities.