Pilot Junior Cert scheme begins in autumn

A NEW Junior Certificate programme targeted at students at risk of dropping out of school early is to be introduced this autumn, the Minister for Education has announced.

The Junior Certificate Elementary programme is due to start in 45 schools next month. The number of schools offering the programme is expected to increase to 80 in subsequent years.

Ms Breathnach promised yesterday that the programme would reach out more effectively to the minority of students whose needs were not being addressed by the present broadly based Junior Cert. Recent studies have shown that up to 5,000 young people leave school early each year without obtaining any qualifications.

Guidelines prepared by the Department of Education for schools offering the programme acknowledge the lack of self esteem felt by many under achieving pupils. The number of subjects at second level and the fragmentation of the curriculum compared to learning in primary schools are "especially problematic" for some young people, they say.

The programme tilts the balance in teaching away from demonstration by a teacher and towards student activity. Specific goals are set for literacy and numeracy and a student profiling system is used instead of exam grades to measure achievement.

Students may still take Junior Cert exams, but not normally more than five. They will receive credit, in the form of an individualised profile, regardless of whether or not they are successful in exams.

Participating schools will receive an extra £50 grant for each student taking the programme. Each school will appoint a co ordinator to administer the programme.

The programme was developed by the curriculum development unit of the City of Dublin VEC in consultation with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment and the Department of Education. A pilot scheme is already running in 32 schools.

The Department is also providing additional teaching resources for schools involved in the new initiative.