Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

State Examinations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 June 2014

Thursday, 19 June 2014

Ceisteanna (65)

Heather Humphreys

Ceist:

65. Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to reform the leaving certificate points system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26501/14]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Following a conference in 2011 by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) and the Higher Education Authority (HEA) to explore issues relating to the transition between second level and higher education, a Transitions Reform Steering Group was established to include representatives from my Department, the Higher Education Authority (HEA), National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) the Irish Universities Association (IUA), Institutes of Technology Ireland (IoTI), the State Examinations Commission (SEC) and Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). A shared report of this Group Supporting a Better Transition from Second-Level to Higher Education was published in March 2013.The report contains three key commitments to:

- Reduce the number of level 8 degree programmes in higher education and make them more broadly-based;

- Reduce the number of grading bands (A1, A2, B1, B2 etc);

- Address problematic predictability in the Leaving Certificate exams.

The full report is published on the Department's website Supporting a Better Transition from Second Level to Higher Education: Key Directions and next Steps". Since the report was published the SEC and the NCCA have been looking at the extent of problematic predictability in the Leaving Certificate examinations. These key state agencies also agreed to reduce the number of grading bands used in the Leaving Certificate Examinations, acknowledging that the very large number of grades was contributing to a culture of teaching to the test and rote learning. Following discussions at 2 major consultation events of practitioners, students and other stakeholders as well as intensive discussion and analysis by the NCCA and the SEC, a new model for grading of the Leaving Certificate Examinations is emerging with eight grading bands (to replace 14 bands currently) based on 10% grading bands. Further information is available on the Department's website Key Directions Update – Easter 2014.

I am aware that in light of the high stakes nature of the Leaving Certificate examination system and the associated transition into higher education, major changes will not occur without adequate notice being given to schools, students and parents. The intention, therefore, is that any new arrangements will begin to be implemented on a phased basis with the first stages for those entering fifth year of second level in September 2015.

Barr
Roinn