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State Examinations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 February 2022

Tuesday, 1 February 2022

Questions (116)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

116. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education her plans for the junior certificate 2022; her views on whether the students sitting the exams are adequately prepared; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4651/22]

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Written answers

In recent weeks, I have attended a meeting with the Advisory Group on State Examinations, which has representatives of students, parents, teachers, managerial bodies, the further and higher education sector, and the SEC. Following on from this meeting, I met with the members of the advisory group on a bilateral basis and also had further engagement with each of them thereafter. I have listened carefully to what each of these stakeholders has had to say and examined each of their points.

My Department and the SEC have sought, through various measures, to take account of the disruption to learning experienced by students. These include adjustments to the assessment arrangements for the 2022 examinations that were announced in August 2021. The adjustments were designed to take account both of the disruption to learning experienced by students in the early part of 2021, as well as providing for some possible further disruption in 2021/22.

Under revised arrangements put in place for the completion of Junior Cycle Classroom Based Assessments (CBAs) for students who are in 3rd year, each student must now complete a minimum of one CBA in each subject, instead of the usual two. The latest date for completion of CBA1 for most subjects was extended into the 2021/22 school year. Students will not be required to complete Assessment Tasks for the relevant subjects.

These changes to the national assessment arrangements were made with due regard for the principles of equity, fairness and integrity, as these principles apply to assessment and examinations. The changes provide reassurance to students, their parents/guardians, teachers and schools. The assessment arrangements also provide progression opportunities for students who intend to pursue paths outside of school after Junior Cycle, such as those who may enter apprenticeships.

It is also planned that the Junior Cycle Music practical performance test and the Home Economics practical test will take place during school time as normal.

I am continuing to engage with stakeholders on all matters relating to the examinations. At the meeting of the Advisory Group last Thursday week a number of updates were received from group members, including reports of emerging and final results from surveys that members had conducted. It was agreed that the members of the group would reflect on the contributions made at the meeting, and that engagement would continue between myself and the various stakeholders on a bilateral basis. This engagement has been continuing since late last week, over the weekend and into this week, with a view to reaching an appropriate solution which responds to the concerns and issues that have been raised. A further meeting of the Advisory Group will be held and I am working towards a decision in relation to the examinations being made as soon as reasonably practicable.

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