Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2019
116. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills when teachers will receive sample exam papers for the new junior cycle Irish course which is due to be first examined in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37861/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt has been long-standing policy of the State Examinations Commission to provide sample papers in the autumn of the examination year for the programme in question. This to allow the curricular changes, and the associated changes to teaching and learning to become embedded in schools.
Earlier publication of sample papers would result in an examinations focus too early in the change process, rather than on the curriculum content.
This is particularly important in the context of Junior Cycle Reform, which is promoting a very different approach to assessment and feedback to students to assist their learning over the course of Junior Cycle, away from the traditional focus on external terminal assessment through the state examinations.
