Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 October 2014
29. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills her views on reform of the junior certificate, teachers correcting the junior certificate work of their own students, schools providing their own individual certification and her views in relation to the subject of history on the junior certificate curriculum. [37876/14]
View answerThe junior cycle reforms aim to bring about improved outcomes for students through, a more meaningful assessment of student ability. I have confidence in the professionalism and integrity of Irish teachers. I want to work with teacher unions to bring this about in a way that is meaningful and appropriate in an Irish context.
Some 90% of junior cycle students go on to senior cycle. The junior certificate should recognise learning at that level need not be a dry run for the leaving certificate.
In relation to history, over 90% of students choose history although it is currently compulsory in only half our schools. Curriculum choice is important in motivating students to learn and to remain in school to completion of senior cycle.
I was pleased to meet with the teaching unions in early September to hear their concerns in relation to implementation of the revised junior cycle. I look forward to meeting with them again later this month to advance those discussions further. As the Deputy will appreciate, out of respect for the process, I do not intend that this engagement should be pre-empted in a public setting.
