Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Will the representatives of the ASTI comment on the fact that under the junior certificate there will be far more papers which be neither higher nor ordinary level? There will be equalisation or one level only. What are the thoughts of the ASTI on that?

One key rationale behind reform is to try to ensure that everyone stays engaged, and, in particular, that young men do not become disengaged. There is evidence that when moving from first year to second year boys become disengaged. My understanding is that part of the rationale for moving to one level, instead of a higher and ordinary level, is that we keep everyone together and the idea is to try to keep those students who are inclined to disengage from disengaging. On the other hand, this is problematic for those who may be higher achievers. If everyone is required to go at a similar pace, is there a possibility that they could become more disengaged because of the fact they are not being sufficiently challenged? Does having one level address the issue of disengagement? Does one level, as opposed to higher and ordinary level, in any way address the level of disengagement which we are trying to prevent?