Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 Oct 1999

Vol. 509 No. 3

Written Answers. - Junior Certificate Examination.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

63 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the serious concern expressed by the ASTI regarding the adequacy of the planned consultative process on the document, The Junior Certificate - Issues for Discussion; the steps, if any, he will take to address the concerns raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20085/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment began a review of the junior certificate curriculum in 1996. In September 1997, shortly after I became Minister, I extended the terms of reference of the review to include appropriateness of assessment methods, literacy, numeracy and oracy needs of pupils, underachievement by some pupils and whether the principles which underpin the curriculum are being fully realised.

In March 1999 the NCCA review group completed the first part of its work and a progress report, titled The Junior Cycle Review, Issues and Options for Development, was prepared with a view to supporting a wider consultation process on a number of key issues in accordance with the terms of reference of the review. The review had already involved a degree of consultation with the various interest groups by means of meetings and submission of views which included a written submission from the ASTI.

The paper titled The Junior Cycle – Issues for Discussion was prepared by my Department as a further contribution to the consultation process begun with the circulation of the junior cycle review progress report.

A series of seminars is planned by the NCCA and my Department in the near future at which issues raised in both documents will be discussed. An invitation has been extended to the ASTI to participate in each of these seminars.

However, the ASTI has expressed some concerns about the consultation process with schools. Meetings between officials of my Department and the ASTI have been arranged to discuss these concerns.