Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 232: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her proposals for reform of the leaving certificate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38438/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Advice from the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment on proposals to reform of senior cycle education was sent to me earlier this year. The NCCA's advice is accessible on its website, www.ncca.ie. We are all concerned that our education system should be positioned so that it continues to maintain excellence, relevance, quality and inclusiveness in the changing climate which lies ahead. I have welcomed the broad thrust of the NCCA's proposals, particularly in terms of building on the strengths of the existing leaving certificate, providing for greater equity and inclusion, supporting increased participation and achievement among disadvantaged students while stretching the exceptionally able, providing for a more adult culture and equipping students for lifelong learning. I have asked that change should be implemented on a phased basis over a significant period, minimising disruption and taking account of logistical and cost factors and system capacity to change. I have asked the NCCA to prioritise the reconfiguration of subjects generally within the leaving certificate to embed key skills, and to provide for a second assessment component. A work plan for this has been prepared under which maths, science and languages will be featured in the first phase of development. I have also asked the NCCA to develop as an exemplar a short course in enterprise education, building on the existing links modules.

With regard to transition units, I have expressed a preference for retaining the existing transition year as a stand alone programme, for reasons of equity. However, I have welcomed the standardisation of transition units proposed by the NCCA and I have asked the council to engage in further discussions with my Department on how these curriculum components could be specifically targeted to better meet the needs of disadvantaged students. The council's proposals for reform are built on extensive consultation and research, and provide an important basis for continuing evolution and reform which will ensure the relevance, quality and equity of the system in the years ahead.