Vol. 467 No. 1
79 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Education the progress, if any, there has been in identifying a more equitable and fairer system of assessment of students at leaving certificate level than the current once-off system. [12674/96]
The White Paper indicates that, while external examinations will continue to be the main instrument of assessing achievement in the leaving certificate, a wider range of assessment techniques will be necessary. These techniques will be used to evaluate the range of skills, now demanded in a modern society, including thinking and innovation skills, practical skills, research and problem-solving skills as well as the ability to apply knowledge.
The modes and techniques of assessment for the leaving certificate at higher, ordinary and foundation levels are and will be consistent with the objectives of the syllabi in so far as is feasible. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment is revising the leaving certificate syllabi on a phased basis. The assessment objectives are laid out on a subject by subject basis. I have decided that revised syllabi or programmes will be introduced only after agreement is reached on the modes of assessment.
