Mr. Paddy Flood:

I have one comment on the experience of Covid-19, where we are going and where we will go, and this is linked to our conversations. The leaving certificate class of 2022 faces particular challenges. That is articulated when it comes to those who are most disadvantaged. The decisions made for the future must include not just the student voice but also the voice of the poor and the voice of the most marginalised, how they are experiencing the leaving certificate, and all of the components that lead to that.

I refer to Mr. Irwin’s point about progression, which is important to the learning process in the sense of cohesiveness and continuity from junior cycle right through to creating learners for life. That progression piece is very important.

The other thing that is important is to make learning as exciting as possible for the student. Giving them more chance for individualisation, giving choice and flexibility to them to customise their learning and to allow them to localise it within robust units of learning that will motivate them most, is very exciting. It is to be hoped we will be stellar in sticking to the reform journey ahead.

I thank Mr. Curtis, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Flood and Mr. Crone for their contributions and for sharing their insights and expert knowledge on the issue of reforming the leaving certificate. The discussion has been of enormous assistance to members of the committee in our examination of the issue. The committee is very grateful to the witnesses and commends them on their obvious dedication and commitment to assisting young people in the senior cycle and enhancing their educational experience. In all of this, it is important not to forget the students who do not want to go to third level but who want to pursue apprenticeships and become plumbers, plasterers, lorry drivers, ambulance paramedics or hotel workers. We have to remain cognisant of what they want as well. I know the witnesses represent a huge part of that community. Again, I thank them very much. I know the committee members very much appreciate their time.