Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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205. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the junior certificate English examination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5811/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The curriculum and assessment arrangements for Junior Cycle are as set out in the Framework for Junior Cycle 2015 and in the related subject specifications and syllabuses developed by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. The Framework for Junior Cycle gives students the opportunity to develop a wider range of knowledge and skills – to equip them for further learning, for work, for responsible and active citizenship, and for healthy living. It gives students better learning opportunities, and rewards and recognises non-academic performance and achievements, with a central focus on the student’s quality of life, wellbeing and mental health. The new junior cycle has been developed on a partnership approach, involving teachers, their unions and many wider interests over a considerable period of time. The new approach draws on the best available international research evidence in order to ensure the best possible learning experience for students at this vital stage of their development.

The written exam for English has been reduced from a 5 hour exam to a 2 hour exam. This reflects the move to a dual approach to assessment. The Classroom Based Assessments have been introduced to allow students to show their understanding of skills and concepts that would not be possible in an externally assessed examination. This dual approach reduces the focus on one terminal examination and increases the prominence given to classroom-based assessment. This change of emphasis enables teachers to provide really meaningful feedback that helps students to understand how their learning can be improved.

2017 was the first year that the Junior Cycle English examination was a 2 hour examination. The State Examinations Commission reassured candidates in 2017 that the examination papers for Junior Cycle English would be suitable for completion in a two hour examination and that they would be fair to candidates.

The reports from teachers and candidates on the 2017 Junior Cycle English examinations set by State Examinations Commission showed that there were no issue in respect of completion time.