Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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215. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a timescale for implementation of the Leaving Certificate reform process has been put in place. [57186/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, I announced an ambitious programme of work for a reimagined Senior Cycle of education where the student is at the centre of their Senior Cycle experience which will:

- Empower students to meet the challenges of the 21st century

- Enrich the student experience and build on what’s strong in our current system

- Embed wellbeing and reduce student stress levels

I have asked the NCCA to publish by September 2023 a schedule of dates by which individual subject curricula will be completed. This will set out a plan for new and revised subject curricula to be delivered in annual blocks with the first new and updated curricula being available and introduced into “network schools” for piloting in September 2024.

I have also asked the SEC to undertake an evaluation of the 2022 experience of holding Oral and Music Practical examinations at Easter so as to inform our approach in subsequent years.

The planning necessary to hold Paper 1 in Irish and English at the end of the fifth year for students entering fifth year in September 2023 has also commenced.

On 29 March I also announced that a revised Transition Year programme statement will be developed through working with schools. This will be available from early 2024 and will help to ensure the delivery of a valuable Transition Year experience for students across all schools participating in the programme.

My approach to Senior Cycle redevelopment is ambitious, optimistic and inclusive. Senior Cycle redevelopment will ensure that the diversity of students’ learning needs and strengths are addressed. The redevelopment of Senior Cycle will ensure that all learning pathways in school are accessible and equally valued.