Reforms needed to equip LC students for further education

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin TD
14 August 2018

On the eve of the Leaving Certificate results being announced, Labour Party Education spokesperson, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, has called on the Department of Education and Skills to consider adding elements to the Leaving Certificate curriculum to help students be more prepared for further education.

Senator Ó Ríordáin said:

“A study by Dublin City University has found that nearly two-thirds of students found that the Leaving Certificate did not adequately teach them how to think independently.

“Over the next few weeks, our attention will turn to the points race, student accommodation struggles and college places. We should use this time to question if students feel prepared for further education or indeed the world of work and what scope is available to reform the Leaving Certificate to inspire more independent thought.

“Whether students go on to study at third-level institutions, take up apprenticeships or go straight to work; the ability to make independent judgements is required and if the vast bulk of students feel that they are not equipped to do this then the onus is on the Department of Education and Skills to change that.

“We know subjects like History, Geography and Politics & Society require independent research but these subjects are not available in every school. Perhaps it is time for the Department of Education and Skills and the National Council of Curriculum and Assessment to figure out how to ensure students are prepared for the real world.”

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