Eric J. Byrne
Ceist:44 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Education the proposals, if any, she has to facilitate children repeating classes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10176/97]
Written Answers. - Second Level Education.
The circumstances in which an individual pupil may repeat a year at second level were advised to schools in May 1995 in the form of Circular M2/95 — Repeat of a Year at Post-Primary Level. This circular clarified and consolidated the arrangements outlined previously in the light of the extension and restructuring of the senior cycle.
The following are the grounds on which consideration of requests or proposals for individual students repeating a year at second level will be based: prolonged absence from school for a valid reason such as ill-health; serious illness which has a seriously damaging effect on the pupil's academic performance; serious family trauma which has had a seriously damaging effect on the pupil's academic performance; very poor academic record which requires regular remedial treatment; and change of school in certain circumstances. Pupils who have sat the leaving certificate leaving examination may be enrolled as recognised pupils to repeat leaving certificate year 2 and the appropriate leaving certificate examination on payment of the appropriate course and examination fees. However, these charges may not apply or may be reduced where the parents hold a current medical card.
At primary level, my Department's policy regarding repeat classes is set out in Circulars 10/67 and 15/89. These circulars state,inter alia, that the primary school curriculum is designed as an eight year course. Accordingly, the normal procedure for the promotion of pupils in primary schools should be that a pupil is promoted to a higher standard at the end of each school year. As a result, pupils should have the opportunity to complete a minimum of three years' post-primary education before reaching the minimum school leaving age.
It is, of course, recognised that there may be cases where the principal teacher of a primary school feels that a pupil would benefit educationally by being held back for a second year in a class. With reference to educational principles, it is considered that such cases should be minimal and that no pupil should be held back for longer than one year throughout his-her period in national school.