Written answers

Tuesday, 9 October 2012

Department of Education and Skills

Education Policy

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he is satisfied regarding the adequacy of primary, secondary and third level education here in the context of preparing the young generation for an increasingly competitive place in the workforce; if comparisons have been made with other educational systems throughout Europe and globally with a view to identification of the best practice to achieve the best results; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43370/12]

Photo of Ruairi QuinnRuairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I believe that in an ever changing world we need to strive for constant improvement in our education system. Last year I launched Literacy and Numeracy for Learning and Life which is the national strategy to improve literacy and numeracy in schools. We know both from domestic evidence and international comparisons through PISA that the literacy and numeracy standards of some of our students are not up to the standard which we would wish. I have moved swiftly to bring in measures through the Strategy which are aimed at improving literacy and numeracy.

Last week I announced a root and branch reform of Junior Cycle drawing from best practice at international level. The Framework for Junior Cycle responds to compelling international evidence that shows more students will perform better by moving away from terminal high stakes exams at this point in their education. A number of the principles in my Framework acknowledge the importance of "continuity and development" and of "Learning to learn" from one sector of education to another so as to meet the challenges of life beyond school and, in particular, of working life. Students as they experience the new Junior Cycle programme, will be provided with opportunities to take initiative, to be innovative and to develop entrepreneurial skills. My Framework has been warmly welcomed by IBEC which commented that business needs employees with the capacity to analyse, communicate, be creative, manage information and work with others. IBEC believes that the new Junior Cycle should provide an opportunity to develop these types of attributes and skills from an early age. The change at junior cycle in turn presents an opportunity for a refocusing of efforts at senior cycle towards more varied forms of assessment across all examinations subjects.

At third level, one of the core missions of the higher education system is to ensure the continued alignment of graduate output with the evolving skills needs of the economy and to provide the research infrastructure and graduates to support innovation, and foster enterprise development. To ensure relevance of higher education provision, it is standard practice for institutions to establish content advisory panels with industry input for programme development. It is also common practice for institutions to develop bespoke programmes in collaboration with individual enterprises. Engagement with enterprise is one of the core pillars of the National Strategy for Higher Education and a detailed framework and range of recommendations to ensure the system continues to provide graduates that are equipped to take their place in the modern workplace are being implemented. Our high numbers of young skilled graduates has led Ireland to be ranked 1st for the availability of skilled labour in this year's IMD World Competitiveness Survey. This was backed up by the 2012 Talent Shortage Survey conducted annually by the Manpower Group, which ranked Ireland as the global leader for the availability of skills and the least difficult location, globally, in which to find talent.

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