Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 July 2020
81. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a reduction in the curriculum for incoming sixth years and changing the leaving certificate examinations in 2021 has been investigated to reflect the disruption to learning due to the Covid-19 pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19336/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn Monday of this week, 27 July, I announced a roadmap for reopening our schools fully at the start of the upcoming school year. This roadmap includes a wide range of information and guidance for schools including public health advice, COVID-19 response plans for schools as well as curriculum and assessment changes.
Notwithstanding the best efforts of teachers and schools to engage students during the period of school closure, my Department recognises that curriculum considerations for 2020/21 school year at both primary/special school and post-primary level need to take account of the variable learning experiences of pupils/students during the period of school closure, the likely gaps in learning, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds or with special educational needs, and the practical context in which teaching and learning will be taking place in the new school year.
The publication of the roadmap earlier this week was accompanied by a series of guidance documents for schools, including guidance on learning and school programmes for post-primary school leaders and teachers.
This guidance outlines adjustments to assessment arrangements to take account of the general loss of learning opportunity for those students who are due to sit the Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate examinations in 2021. The changes will be broadly proportionate and may vary, taking into account specific context, across modules, subjects and programmes. They will involve some combination of:
- Greater choice for students in written examinations;
- Bringing forward the dates for the issue of coursework briefs;
- Adjustments to the requirements for practical examinations in some subjects.
Further details on changes being made to examinations at subject-level will be published shortly.
My Department is acutely aware of the challenges faced by students at this difficult time, and how the current circumstances will continue to present challenges into the future. The welfare of students is, and will continue to be, front and centre in all decision making.
