Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 Nov 1993

Vol. 435 No. 10

Written Answers. - Junior Certificate Examination Grades.

Peadar Clohessy

Question:

55 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for Education if she has satisfied herself with the grades attained in the junior certificate examinations, 1993; and if not, the steps, if any, that now remain to be taken at curriculum level to fix this examination to the abilities, aptitudes and interests of the broad general range of students taking the exam.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I am satisfied with pupil performance in the junior certificate and I believe that general public reaction has, by and large, been one of satisfaction.

It must be borne in mind that the junior certificate programme represents a significant departure from the style and content of the intermediate certificate and the day group certificate programmes, both of which it has replaced.

It has enabled teachers to move away from prescribed texts. This means that teachers can introduce material of more immediate interest to the pupils and so improve their motivation.

The pupils too have been encouraged to become more actively involved in their own education, to become more assertive and enterprising and to accept responsibilities.

By and large the junior certificate examination is more user-friendly than its predecessors, being offered at three levels in Irish, English and Mathematics and at two levels in other subjects.

Notwithstanding the provision of syllabuses at two or even three levels, there is come concern that the programme at junior cycle is unsuitable for a small but important minority of students. In recognition of this fact the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment has recommended the introduction of an alternative programme, called the junior certificate schools programme, to be made available for students whose particular needs, for one reason or another, appear to be beyond the scope even of the present broadly based junior certificate. My Department is at present examining the Council's proposals.