03/11/2011
Junior Certificate To Be Replaced
Ireland's use of the current Junior Cert is to end with the process abolished and replaced.
The Dáil Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn has described its replacement as a radical new system to address the problem of rote learning and provide for greater creativity and innovation.
Speaking today, Mr Quinn backed proposals by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) for reform of the Junior Cycle in secondary schools.
The Minister also sought the co-operation of teachers and schools in implementing the proposed changes, which will begin on a phased basis in 2014 for first examination in 2017. He said the plans were designed to strengthen key skills and provide for “more relevant and flexible forms of assessment”.
Mr Quinn welcomed the recommended limit on the number of subjects at Junior Cert level, and the reduction in the content of syllabuses to make space for “active learning and the embedding of key skills”.
But he said these issues would have to be explored further in discussions on implementation, particularly in terms of what the changes would mean for timetabling and delivery in schools.
The Minister said he had asked his officials to begin discussions with the education partners on implementing the proposals.
“I will also put the necessary arrangements in place to begin the assessment and consideration of the resource implications of the proposals,” he told a board meeting of the NCCA.
(BMcC)
The Dáil Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn has described its replacement as a radical new system to address the problem of rote learning and provide for greater creativity and innovation.
Speaking today, Mr Quinn backed proposals by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) for reform of the Junior Cycle in secondary schools.
The Minister also sought the co-operation of teachers and schools in implementing the proposed changes, which will begin on a phased basis in 2014 for first examination in 2017. He said the plans were designed to strengthen key skills and provide for “more relevant and flexible forms of assessment”.
Mr Quinn welcomed the recommended limit on the number of subjects at Junior Cert level, and the reduction in the content of syllabuses to make space for “active learning and the embedding of key skills”.
But he said these issues would have to be explored further in discussions on implementation, particularly in terms of what the changes would mean for timetabling and delivery in schools.
The Minister said he had asked his officials to begin discussions with the education partners on implementing the proposals.
“I will also put the necessary arrangements in place to begin the assessment and consideration of the resource implications of the proposals,” he told a board meeting of the NCCA.
(BMcC)
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Ireland’s Supreme Court has begun hearing an appeal launched by Seán Quinn Jnr against his three month jail term. His lawyers have told the Supreme Court his indefinite imprisonment for contempt of court and failing to reverse an asset-stripping conspiracy is "incorrect and legally wrong".
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22 January 2015
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Up to 30,000 teachers are today taking strike action in an ongoing dispute over changes to the Junior Cycle. The teachers are opposed to proposed changes that would see them responsible for assessing 40% of a students final Junior Certificate. They claim the move would damage the relationship between teachers and students.
Teachers Follow Through On Strike Action
Up to 30,000 teachers are today taking strike action in an ongoing dispute over changes to the Junior Cycle. The teachers are opposed to proposed changes that would see them responsible for assessing 40% of a students final Junior Certificate. They claim the move would damage the relationship between teachers and students.
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Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
