Michael Noonan
Question:39 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps, if any, he will take to extend the availability of the junior certificate schools programme. [12814/99]
Written Answers. - Junior Certificate Examination.
The junior certificate school programme is an intervention within the junior certificate. It provides a curriculum framework which assists schools and individual teachers in adopting a student-centred approach to the junior certificate specifically aimed at a small but important minority of students whose particular needs are not adequately catered for in the present broadly based junior certificate programme. It provides an opportunity for each of those students to obtain a junior certificate recording his/her level of attainment.
The junior certificate school programme was introduced in the school year 1996-97 in 44 centres. It was expanded in 1997-98 to 60 centres. It is being offered at present in 85 centres. A special support unit was established to provide information on the programme and to assist schools with the implementation of the programme. The support service is located in the curriculum development unit of the City of Dublin VEC.
The first cohort of students will have completed the programme this summer. The NCCA junior cycle review report of March 1999 recommended that the NCCA undertake an evaluation of the junior certificate school programme with a view to it being made more widely available. This issue is currently being examined in my Department and I expect to have considered and detailed recommendations shortly.