Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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293. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if consideration will be given to a review of the present format for the Leaving Certificate course, whereby traditionally the Leaving Certificate has been applied through rote learning, taking into account that the 2020 Leaving Certificate was carried out on a predicted grades basis as a result of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60460/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware that earlier this year, 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

In my announcement, I set out a clear vision for Senior Cycle.

It is my intention that there would be an increased focus on the development and application of knowledge and skills by students at Senior Cycle. In future, all subjects will have a teacher-based assessment component with a weighting of 40% of the total marks available. This does not prevent subjects having further additional components which will be considered on a subject-by-subject basis where appropriate.

Students entering fifth year in network schools in September 2024 will have updated subject curricula and assessment models available to them in the optional subjects of Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Business, as well as in the new subjects of Drama, Film and Theatre Studies, and Climate Action and Sustainable Development.

The NCCA will publish in September 2023 a schedule of subject specification reviews which will provide the roadmap through which all subject specifications beyond those being introduced in September 2024 will be given effect.