Chinese and computer coding on cards for secondary classes

Chinese, sustainable living, and computer programming will be among the first short courses students can take for the qualification to replace the Junior Certificate.

A group of 40 schools has been picked to give regular feedback on the changes as they are being developed. They will take effect from 2014, with English and a group of short courses due to be included for the first assessment in 2017.

The system, which will include the awarding of 40% of marks in all subjects for continuous assessments, will be phased in.