Seven deadlines and an AI dilemma: Is the new Leaving Cert fixing one problem by creating another?

Teachers back reform in principle but warn of inequality, AI misuse, and rising workload under new senior cycle

The main difference under the redeveloped senior cycle is the introduction of new coursework components across each subject, worth at least 40% of a student’s overall grade, intended to ease pressure on the final exam. 

By 2031, students have been promised a radically different Leaving Cert, one intended to move the focus away from pressurised exam halls by testing their skills in ways written exams cannot.

Over the next five years, every subject will be reviewed, redeveloped, and rolled out.  The changes have not been without last-minute negotiations, u-turns and postponements. That being said, the first revamped subjects were introduced to fifth year students in September, without major disruption or delay.