Aisling Dolan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Tattan. It is true that we need a student-centred experience. As Mr. Tattan said, it is about spreading the assessment load throughout the year or over two years. I would be interested in continuous assessment and, from a teaching point of view, how teaching staff are involved in that assessment going forward. It is important teachers have the skills to be able to take on that work. We heard from previous contributors to the committee about surveys undertaken in respect of which there were approximately 2,000 respondents and which showed that up to one third of teachers felt that for the students involved their contribution and assessment was really important. If any of the witnesses would like to comment on that, I would appreciate it.

Mr. Tattan spoke about the different types of leaving certificates. When looking at reform of the leaving certificate and bringing in more practical aspects to the course load, the workload, the orals and so on we might, perhaps, look at developing the student's practical side as well as the theory and academic side, given we are considering listing the apprenticeships and further and higher education courses on the CAO form and promoting other forms or pathways of obtaining a qualification.

Perhaps somebody involved in policy or the curriculum might wish to speak to that. I thank the witnesses for their time.