Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 February 2021
516. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education if students who opt for State Examinations Commission-accredited grades in language subjects and not to sit a written exam but who excel in the oral component of this subject can be afforded the option of taking an informal oral exam with their teacher which will help form the basis of this SEC-accredited grade. [10437/21]
View answer517. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education if students will be given a period of time before the exams begin on 9 June 2021 to solely study and prepare for these exams without being expected to submit additional work to form the basis of their SEC-accredited grades. [10438/21]
View answer518. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education when she will issue clear guidelines to schools and students on the way in which the SEC-accredited grades will be calculated in 2021; and if she will provide clarity on the work by students that will form the basis of this grade. [10439/21]
View answer528. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education if mock exams will be taken into account when deciding on SEC-accredited grades for leaving certificate students. [10449/21]
View answer529. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education if project work for technology and design and communication graphics will be taken into account when providing SEC-accredited grades; and if students can have the option of choosing to have their project work taken into account. [10450/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 516 to 518, inclusive, 528 and 529 together.
On 17 February, I confirmed that Leaving Certificate 2021 examinations will proceed and students will also have the alternative option of applying for grades accredited by the State Examinations Commission (SEC), to be known as SEC-Accredited Grades.
This decision follows intensive engagement with education stakeholders bilaterally and through the Planning for State Examinations 2021 Advisory Group and sub-group.
This decision ensures for every student a method to assess their learning and attainment at the end of their post-primary education and to progress to higher and further education, and the world of work.
Putting in place both the examination and a corresponding measure of SEC-Accredited Grades is essential to ensuring a fair system, having regard to the extraordinary circumstances of the pandemic and the loss of learning that has occurred for this group of students due to the interruption of in-person teaching and learning during the periods of school closure.
Under the SEC-Accredited Grades process, students will have the opportunity to opt to receive an SEC-Accredited Grade. They can also opt to sit the Leaving Certificate Examination. Students will opt into these processes on a subject by subject basis.
My Department is currently finalising a Guide to State Examinations and SEC Accredited Grades for
Leaving Certificate students 2021 and this will be issued shortly. It will include information on how the SEC-Accredited Grades process will operate. This will be followed by more detailed guidance for schools in this matter.
