Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The sraitheanna pictiúr, or picture sequences, are a component of the common Irish Oral test for Higher Level and Ordinary Level candidates, with the Oral test accounting for 40% of the overall marks for Leaving Certificate Irish.

In response to issues highlighted in National Council Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) and Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta & Gaelscolaíochta (COGG) research in relation to the conversational elements of the Oral Irish Leaving Certificate examination, the State Examinations Commission introduced adjustments to the structure of the Common Oral examination for the 2020 examinations and thereafter. These aim to create greater opportunity for candidate-examiner interaction and so give the candidate scope to display their competence while keeping a balance between the different parts of the oral exam.

The oral examinations did not take place in 2020 as a result of the pandemic. Since then there have been adjustments to assessment arrangements for the State examinations, in light of the pandemic’s impact on teaching and learning. In regard to Leaving Certificate Irish, these adjustments include a reduction in the number of sraitheanna pictiúr that each candidate must prepare from 20 to 10. On 16 May, I announced that these adjustments would apply again in 2024.

The changes have been made with due regard for the principles of equity, fairness and integrity, in relation to student-to-student, subject-to-subject, and year-to-year comparisons.

A decision has not yet been made in relation to any assessment adjustments for 2025. The details of any assessment adjustments which may apply to the 2025 examinations will be communicated to schools once a decision is made, and schools will be asked to ensure that all students are made aware of these changes.