I propose to take Questions Nos. 37, 54, 93 and 614 together.
I intend to proceed with the assessment of practical work in home economics and music in the junior certificate examinations in 1994. A circular letter is being issued to schools informing them of the arrangements. The reason for the delay has been the difficulty in securing the agreement of teachers and management to the proposed arrangements, particularly those for home economics. This agreement has now been obtained.
The assessment in home economics and music will be carried out by the class teacher, or by another teacher in the school or by visiting examiners appointed by the Department. These assessors will be paid a fee in respect of each candidate. In the case of materials technology — wood — the position is that the existing practical examination is being replaced by a project which will be assessed in the schools during the month of June by visiting examiners who will be paid a per capita fee. The list of projects from which junior certificate materials technology candidates select was issued to all post primary schools on 13 January 1994.
Full briefings will be provided for assessors and external monitors and in-service training for teachers whose students are being assessed.