Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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In July 2016, the Government launched a major initiative for Dublin’s North East Inner City (NEIC) to oversee the long term, social and economic regeneration of the area. The Mulvey Report entitled “Dublin’s North East Inner City – Creating a Brighter Future” was published in February 2017 and made a number of recommendations. As part of this response, in November 2018 the P-TECH pilot programme was launched within post-primary schools in the NEIC.

The P-TECH pilot project is now in operation across five NEIC post-primary schools, with multiple partners supporting the programme. It is an education initiative that combines post-primary school with elements of further education and workplace experience. It requires a three-way partnership between a school, higher/further education institution and industry partner. It includes a structured workplace learning strand with mentoring, worksite visits, speakers, and project days. Whilst the acquisition of relevant IT skills in key areas are included in the course work, the model also seeks to encourage and develop students’ problem solving and creativity and places emphasis on teamwork, collaboration and communication skills. Students involved in the programme work towards the achievement of a “Special Purpose Award”, equivalent to 10 credits at QQI Level 6.

The P-TECH project is still a pilot programme funded by my Department. Just last month the first cohort of P-TECH students graduated with their P-TECH Special Purpose Awards. These students began their P-TECH journey back in 2019 when they were in second year in post-primary. This was a key milestone for these students and for the P-TECH pilot project as a whole. The P-TECH pilot project will continue in the five NEIC post-primary primary schools for the 2024/25 school year.

In 2022 I announced an ambitious redevelopment of Senior Cycle. This redevelopment programme is guided by the vision of a Senior Cycle that delivers “equity and excellence for all” and aims to ensure students experience Senior Cycle in a way that reflects who they are, their values and dispositions. We want to prepare students for their chosen pathway following post-primary school education. Under this redevelopment, specifications for all Leaving Certificate subjects and modules will be revised on an annual basis in groupings called “tranches.” By 2029, all Leaving Certificate subjects and modules will be revised.