James O'Connor
Question:85. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Education the status of leaving certificate reform; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13498/22]
View answerThursday, 10 March 2022
Questions (85)
Written answers
As the Deputy is 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 report is both extensive and comprehensive in its scope. The subject of Senior Cycle reform is one that needs to be carefully considered in all aspects. Changes to any part of the senior cycle system can have considerable knock-on effects, which also need to be considered in turn. Currently the report is under consideration, and it will be published once those considerations are complete which I expect will be very shortly.
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 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. My officials and I have been considering the Report carefully, with a view to delivering a Senior Cycle programme that meets the needs of the students of today and the future. The Report will be published once those considerations are complete which I expect will be very shortly.