Joe Flaherty
Question:118. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Education if she will report on the progress of the senior cycle review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57305/21]
View answerTuesday, 23 November 2021
Questions (118, 143)
Marc Ó Cathasaigh
Question:143. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Education the position regarding publishing the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment advisory report on senior cycle reform; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57229/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 118 and 143 together.
As the Deputies will be aware, between 2016 and 2020 the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) undertook an extensive review of senior cycle programmes and vocational pathways. The NCCA’s Advisory Report on the Senior Cycle has been submitted to my Department for consideration. The review involved a very broad range of research, consultations and communications with a wide range of stakeholders, including students, on all aspects of review and redevelopment over a number of phases over the period of the review.
The Advisory Report maps out, in broad terms, an ambitious programme of work, which would enable the development and construction of the components that would make up a Framework for Senior Cycle and will involve further ongoing stakeholder engagement and consultation.
I and my Department officials are also aware of the significant impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on our education system over the past two years, including its impact on students who were due to take their Leaving Certificate examinations in those years. I expect that the lessons to be learnt from the pandemic will be considered and where appropriate, will assist in informing the redevelopment of Senior Cycle.
I am aware of the desire in the education community and more generally that the NCCA Advisory Report be published but we must first complete our consideration of the Report. I am currently focusing on what the implementation of the Report would involve and what we can do to best ensure the further evolution of Senior Cycle.