Richard Bruton
Question:128. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education the steps she will take to accelerate the reform of the leaving certificate. [24037/21]
View answerThursday, 13 May 2021
Questions (128)
Written answers
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) has carried out an extensive review of senior cycle programmes and vocational pathways, including Transition Year, Leaving Certificate Applied, Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme and the Leaving Certificate Established.
A key theme of the Senior Cycle Review was the future form and redevelopment of the existing senior cycle programmes.
The review encompassed, among other themes:
- the question of the overall identity and purposes of senior cycle education
- how to establish continuity and progression with the new Junior Cycle
- the range of learning programmes and learning pathways available to students at senior cycle
- how to improve flexibility and choice for students
- the alignment of key skills with the needs of students, and
- the appropriate arrangements for assessment, reporting and certification in senior cycle.
I understand that, the NCCA are now working to finalise an Advisory Report, which is due to be submitted to my Department in the near future.
The report will look at priority areas, longer-term goals and a proposed timeline and advice on the pace and scale of developments in senior cycle, and will form the basis of further significant discussion and ultimately decision making on senior cycle over the coming years.
I look forward to receiving the report and I look forward to the opportunities for further engagement with all stakeholders on this important area of work.