Teachers protest over Junior Cycle plans

The public opinion war over Education Minister Ruairi Quinn’s plan to abolish the Junior Certificate stepped up a gear as teachers took to school gates airing their fears for the impact on education standards.

With English due to be the first subject undergoing changes, and training already started for teachers of the subject, they were among those most concerned during the lunchtime protests around the country.

Seán Ó Colmáin, one of more than 20 teachers outside Coláiste an Phiarsaigh in Glanmire, Co Cork, said things are very unclear after the first workshop for English teachers, particularly about assessment questions that were asked.