PLANS TO radically overhaul the Junior Cert exam are set to begin today at a meeting of the group that advises Minister for Education Batt O’Keeffe on exam issues.
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) will consider the future of the exam for the first time since the Minister backed a review in June.
The introduction of standardised tests – modelled on those already in place in primary schools – is among the options under review.
In a discussion document circulated to members – teacher unions and others – the NCCA reports on widespread concern in educational circles about the “limited value” of the exam.
Earlier this year, Mr O’Keeffe said the Junior Cert was “driven by rote learning and examination pressures, rather than the promotion of real understanding and skills”.
The NCCA document says there is a perception of an inflexible, overcrowded curriculum in the Junior Cert and disengagement by many students.
The paper also reports student concern about the focus on written exams.
The length of the exam papers, especially those running to 2½ hours, was also criticised.
The council is examining the junior cycles in other countries in an attempt to find a means to cut the amount of rote learning in the Irish system.
It also plans to hold a public symposium on the future of the exam next year.
