Students must be central to Leaving Cert reform
Equality audit of all secondary schools must be undertaken
Responding to the Leaving Cert reform announced by government today, Labour education spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin said the proposals must be examined more thoroughly, calling for an audit of the capacity of secondary schools to deliver the proposed changes.
Deputy Ó Ríordáin said:
“The experience of predicted grades and continuous assessment the past two years has proven that change is possible and a better approach is possible.
“The voices of young people and students who have recently gone through the process must be central to any change. Last year, the Labour Party held a consultation on leaving cert reform to better understand young people’s thoughts and concerns. From our conversations, it’s clear that a key focus of this reform must be to eliminate the huge levels of anxiety associated with the Leaving Cert year.
“While it’s a welcome move to see new subjects considered on the topic of climate change and the arts, this must go hand in hand of the capacity of every school to deliver these subjects. I am calling for an equality audit of secondary level schools to ensure that they can provide all subjects to the same level.
“We may need to consider looking at remote learning options for pupils in schools without the expertise in a particular subject. All options must be on the table to ensure equality of opportunity and access to education in this country.”