It is my intention that assessment procedures for the junior certificate in 1992 will include a written paper and, where appropriate, examinations in oral, aural and practical skills. I further intend that the oral and practical elements of the assessment should be carried out in the schools and that the percentage of marks allocated in respect of those elements be of the order of 25 per cent. There will, of course, be a system of monitoring these marks on a national basis to ensure a standardisation of results. It will be necessary also to provide in-service training for teachers on assessment techniques and procedures.
In the light of the importance and extent of assessment in oral, aural and practical skills, the written element of the examination should not be over-emphasised. The draft written sample papers submitted by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment were examined in my Department in this context. I should say, too, that I found the draft papers to be very long and detailed and I felt that they would be intimidating in some instances for students at this level.
I asked the council to redraft the sample papers in view of the considerations outlined above. My understanding is that the course committees of the council are at present undertaking this task and that the revised draft sample papers will be available early in January. I am confident that the assessment procedures which I propose for the junior certificate will be put in place for 1992 given the co-operation and goodwill of those involved.
Since we started consideration of this assessment procedure I have met many bodies to hear their points of view. The first step was the issuing of the NCCA consultative document to many groups seeking their submissions which they furnished to me. On the basis of them I commenced a process of consultation. I have met with the various parents' groups, teachers' unions and management, a process which is continuing. A measure of agreement with many of the partners in the education process has been reached and further meetings have been arranged for the next two to three weeks.
