Leaving Cert reforms to proceed as planned despite concerns raised by teachers' unions

From September, changes to the Leaving Cert will be introduced in chemistry, physics, business, Arabic, Ancient Greek and Latin. Picture: Denis Minihane

Teachers’ unions have been told by the minister for education that changes to the Leaving Cert will proceed as planned from this September.

Concerns around the incoming changes have prompted both second-level teachers’ unions, the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) and the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI), to call for a delay to the rollout.

Many teachers are concerned about the rollout of new project work elements to each subject, to be worth at least 40% of a student’s overall grade, particularly given the rapid advancements in AI technology.

Members of the ASTI are due to debate if the union should refuse to cooperate with the introduction of these changes unless its demands are met, and to call for a legal indemnity for teachers, at its upcoming annual congress when it meets after Easter. 

The Irish Science Teachers’ Association (Ista), which represents science teachers around the country, has also raised concerns around incoming changes, citing AI, available lab space, and fairness. 

However, following a series of meetings with the ASTI and TUI, Helen McEntee has confirmed to both unions senior cycle redevelopment and Leaving Cert reform will proceed as planned.

Proceeding with the reform as planned is in the best interest of the more than 73,000 students entering fifth year this September, Ms McEntee believes, many of whom have already made their subject decisions for the upcoming school year.

The minister has invited both the ASTI and the TUI to now engage in “intensive talks” to address specific additional measures to support teachers and students.

From September, changes to the Leaving Cert will be introduced in chemistry, physics, business, Arabic, Ancient Greek and Latin. 

This involves the introduction of new project work elements, called Additional Assessment Components (AACs). 

Two new subjects, drama, film and theatre studies, and climate action and sustainable development will also be introduced on a phased basis.

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On Wednesday, the State Examinations Commission is expected to publish sample examination papers in these newly introduced Leaving Certificate subjects.

In the science subjects, the AAC is intended to take the form of a research project based around an experiment.

Guidelines from the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment cleared the way for students to use AI as source material in their project work once referenced properly. 

AI guidelines are due to be issued to schools shortly. 

In a statement, the ASTI and the TUI expressed their disappointment at the Minister McEntee's position, saying: "Both unions will now consider today’s development, consult and respond in due course. Engagement with the Department of Education has been ongoing since last November following a protest by 30,000 second-level teachers outside their schools over their serious concerns around the ‘accelerated’ Senior Cycle Redevelopment programme."