Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I look forward to working with all colleagues, particularly in this area. I thank the Deputy for asking this question as it is an important and live issue, in particular for students who will sit the leaving certificate in the years ahead. It is for this reason that, in the last few weeks, I have met nearly all the unions and representative bodies representing teachers, principals, schools in general, boards of management, parents and, importantly, students. These conversations were not just about senior cycle reform. What was clear when it came to senior cycle reform is that we are all on the same page and want to ensure we have a senior cycle that is modern, fit for purpose and, above all, prepares our young people for the world we live in today.

What is also clear and what we all agree on is that we need to support our teachers and schools in rolling out that programme. I am absolutely committed to continuing the programme of reform of senior cycle to ensure that students benefit from up-to-date curriculums, more diverse skills development and assessments and that we also reduce stress levels. I am also absolutely committed to working with schools, school leaders and teachers in that regard.

The world is changing rapidly and it is essential for all of us to properly equip students to succeed in this changing world. The approach to senior cycle redevelopment is about collaboration and engagement with our stakeholders and partners in education to try to deliver this. That engagement commenced back in 2016 and there has been detailed engagement and consultation since then. In 2023, it was announced that the first tranche of two new subjects and seven revised subjects would be introduced in schools in September of this year. Therefore, the first class taking these new and updated subjects will complete their leaving certificate in 2027.

The introduction of the new assessment models will help students to develop new skills and reduce the amount of pressure on students. This builds on what is already in place across 28 of the 40 curricular leaving certificate subjects. This is not new when it comes to the additional assessment component but we are trying to modernise and ensure that it applies to the vast majority of subjects.

See this speech in context