Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

121. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps taken to incorporate the student voice when it comes to leaving certificate reform; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56560/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy is aware, between 2016 and 2020 the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) undertook an extensive review of senior cycle programmes and vocational pathways, to include Transition Year, Leaving Certificate Applied, Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme and the Leaving Certificate Established.

The review involved a very broad range of research, consultations and communications with a wide range of stakeholders, including students, on all aspects of review and redevelopment over a number of phases over the period of the review.

In particular, the second phase, which took place over 2018 and 2019, involved a school review and national seminar series. Teachers, students and parents in a representative cross-section of 41 schools nationwide took part in a review of existing senior cycle purposes, pathways and programmes. Review feedback was then analysed and emerging themes and areas for further exploration were identified.

The third phase of the review invited individuals and organisations, including students and student representative organisations, to participate in a public consultation process, leading to the publication of a Public Consultation Reportin December 2019.

Further details on the review process, which informed the development of an Advisory Report, are available on the NCCA's website.

The NCCA’s Senior Cycle Review: Advisory Report has been submitted to my Department for consideration and will be published once that consideration process is complete.