Letters to the Editor: Assessment proposal will undermine integrity of Leaving Cert exam

A reader raises concerns over the proposed changes to the senior cycle

'A laboratory-based research report, as the report may not be entirely the student's own work and could even be partially or fully generated by AI.'  Picture: iStock 

The 40% minimum of marks for the additional assessment component (AAC) in all new Leaving Certificate subjects, as part of the minister for education’s vision for senior cycle redevelopment will undoubtedly precipitate an educational crisis, undermining the integrity of the Leaving Certificate exam. Pardon me, perhaps I should say, will undoubtedly create major opportunities for cheating.

Whilst a 40% minimum allocation of marks is suitable for subjects where skills are assessed directly as is the case currently, in Leaving Certificate music, where a musical performance is assessed in person, by an external examiner and the AAC is worth 50%