Pauline O'Reilly (Green Party)
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I thank Ms O'Connor for that well thought-through response. This is where the question of the linking of the CAO to the leaving certificate arises. What came through strongly in contributions from previous guests who have appeared before this committee is that that might be why it is something of an issue. Perhaps we need to lay down a blueprint for how to learn in a way that will bring people through life rather than just assessing the things they learn during their time in school. What are our guests' thoughts on having more of a mentorship role and a more respectful relationship whereby teachers would be trusted to know what the young people sitting in front of them need and require through working collaboratively? I am thinking of democratic schooling, for instance, which is not part of the Irish school system but which we have a lot to learn from. Should there be more of a partnership model?