Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 8: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he had been planning to introduce a junior certificate version of the leaving certificate vocational programme or leaving certificate applied syllabus; if this programme had been due to launch in 30 schools in disadvantaged areas; the status with regard to the introduction of the new courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19247/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I had no plans to introduce a junior certificate version of either the leaving certificate vocational or applied programmes.

The Leaving Certificate Applied, introduced in 1995, is a self-contained Leaving Certificate programme which is pre-vocational by nature and is designed for those students who do not wish to proceed directly to higher education or for those for whom the established Leaving Certificate is unsuitable. Participants in the Leaving Certificate Applied are mainly engaged in work and study of an active, practical and student-centred nature. The main aim of the Leaving Certificate Applied is to prepare participants for transition to adulthood and working life.

The Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) was introduced in 1994. It is designed to enhance the vocational dimension of the Leaving Certificate (Established). This two-year programme combines the academic strengths of the Leaving Certificate (Established) with a new and dynamic focus on self-directed learning, enterprise, work and the community which are included in the Link Modules.

The aim of the existing junior cycle curriculum is to provide students with a broad and balanced programme of study across a wide range of curriculum areas in order to prepare them for transition to senior cycle education. Accordingly, some 25 subjects are available from which a range of academic or vocational subjects can be chosen. The Junior Certificate School Programme (JCSP), introduced in 1996, is particularly targeted at junior cycle (lower secondary) students who are identified as being at risk of early school leaving.

The DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) Action Plan for Educational Inclusion provides for extended access to the JCSP for second-level schools with the highest concentrations of disadvantage. An additional 30 schools joined the programme in 2007, and a further 24 schools joined in 2008. Participation in the programme is supported by an enhanced pupil:teacher ratio and by the provision of professional development support to schools and teachers. The programme is designed to offer schools and teachers a more flexible approach in mediating the Junior Cycle curriculum for students who have diverse learning needs.

Arrangements are being made for the final phase of rollout of JCSP to DEIS schools to take place in 2009/10.