Mr. Paddy Flood:

The students of today need to feel they have the independent learning skills and knowledge to survive after school in whatever chosen environment they wish to move into. There can sometimes be a high dropout level when moving into third level from post-primary education. Progression is important. At present, as was mentioned earlier, we have a disjoint between the junior cycle experience and the world of college. They tend match up better than with the senior cycle. The senior cycle could better reflect the junior cycle and the world of college, traineeships or whatever type of work, study and engagement people go into. It is also important for students to have an ability to navigate life during school and after school. In today's world there are areas such as digital safety, which was referenced earlier, financial management and being able to navigate the complex issues that young people face in their lives. In particular, I reference their well-being, sexuality education and an appropriate awareness of themselves and their own impact on the world. This needs a focus throughout the senior cycle. It is about being better able to participate fully, healthily and enjoyably in the environment and world around them.