The L1 and L2 draft specifications for Leaving Certificate (established) Irish published by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) for public consultation build on the significant developments that have taken place in Irish language curricular provision at primary and Junior Cycle levels in recent years. These include the introduction of a differentiated L1 and L2 Primary Language Curriculum for all stages in primary education in 2019 and L1 and L2 specifications for Junior Cycle Irish in 2017.
Updated syllabuses for Leaving Certificate Irish were introduced in 2010. A number of research reports commissioned by the NCCA and COGG (An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta) on these syllabuses highlighted a number of issues around the quality of students’ experiences and outcomes that need to be addressed. The development of new specifications for Leaving Certificate Irish aims to address identified issues and is part of the ongoing cycle of curricular development and review undertaken by the NCCA.
It is my Department’s aim to improve education standards and the quality of learning experiences for all students, including their engagement with the study of Irish in line with their ability, along the continuum. The second cohort of students who have engaged with the new specifications for Irish for the full three years of Junior Cycle will progress to senior cycle in the autumn. It is therefore important that these students are afforded learning experiences at Leaving Certificate level that allow them to enhance and deepen their learning in Irish and fulfil their potential.
In planning and in designing the consultation process, the NCCA was mindful of the challenging circumstances facing teachers, students, school leaders, and their communities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to enable wide engagement by all those interested in participating, this consultation is currently scheduled to remain open for a six-month period until 31 August with the possibility of extending the timeline. Typically, consultations on draft subject specifications take place over a six to eight-week period. The NCCA is using a range of consultation methods including an online survey, focus group and bilateral meetings, and written submissions to gather and record the experiences and perspectives of participants on all aspects of the draft specifications, including the types of learning, teaching and assessment experiences set out for students.
I understand that as part of the ongoing consultation process, the NCCA continues to engage with colleagues in the broader Irish language sector and is meeting with Conradh na Gaeilge and delegates from other Irish language organisations in the coming weeks.
All curricular development concerning Irish is set within a broader policy framework for the language and its communities. This includes the Government policy on Gaeltacht Education policy, which is to support and promote the use of the Irish language in Gaeltacht communities and it is also important to state that the development of new specifications for Leaving Certificate Irish is taking place in the context of the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030.
