National Council for Curriculum and Assessment

About Adam: The virtual hug that went around the world

About Adam: The virtual hug that went around the world

After capturing the hearts of the nation, Adam is now the inspiration for a new book

By Jennifer O'ConnellSat Nov 06 2021 - 06:00

Call for Leaving Cert Irish proposals to be set aside

Call for Leaving Cert Irish proposals to be set aside

Committee told specifications will not meet the needs of the various target groups

By Éanna Ó CaollaíWed Nov 03 2021 - 21:32

Primary pupils to learn foreign languages from third class under draft curriculum

Primary pupils to learn foreign languages from third class under draft curriculum

Reduction in religious faith formation teaching under new proposals

By Carl O'BrienMon Oct 18 2021 - 23:00

Are we failing non-Roman Catholic children in our primary schools?

Are we failing non-Roman Catholic children in our primary schools?

Some parents say they find it difficult to exert their right to opt their children out of religion

By Jennifer HorganTue Oct 12 2021 - 00:00

The suspension of Junior Cert exams in recent years is a cause for hope

The suspension of Junior Cert exams in recent years is a cause for hope

The pandemic has opened a pathway to a more open and less prescriptive curriculum and assessment model at Junior Cycle

By Gary GranvilleTue Oct 12 2021 - 00:00

Teachers support spreading Leaving Cert assessment over two-year period

Teachers support spreading Leaving Cert assessment over two-year period

Emphasis on project or practical work would reduce pressure ahead of written exams

By Carl O'BrienTue Oct 05 2021 - 16:36

Why are there so few migrant teachers in Ireland?

Why are there so few migrant teachers in Ireland?

One in ten students is from a minority ethnic background, but this diversity is not reflected in the teaching profession

By Peter McGuireTue Sept 14 2021 - 00:00

Estimated grades vs exams: how does the system work?

Estimated grades vs exams: how does the system work?

Leaving Cert marking scheme explained

By Peter McGuireThu Sept 02 2021 - 13:00

Leaving Cert 2022: No accredited grades, greater choice in exams likely

Leaving Cert 2022: No accredited grades, greater choice in exams likely

Alternative exams are planned after Leaving Cert for students affected by illness, bereavement

By Martin Wall and Vivienne ClarkeWed Jun 30 2021 - 14:16

Languages to be introduced to primary schools on pilot basis

Languages to be introduced to primary schools on pilot basis

Pupils in more than 100 schools to learn foreign languages from third class

By Carl O'BrienMon May 31 2021 - 00:01

Open-air classrooms: Six tips for teaching in the great outdoors

Open-air classrooms: Six tips for teaching in the great outdoors

With Covid-19, there has never been a better time for children to learn outside

By Sylvia ThompsonTue May 11 2021 - 00:00

Senior cycle needs to move into 21st century, says Minister

Senior cycle needs to move into 21st century, says Minister

Overemphasis on Leaving Cert written exam is bringing stress and challenges for students

By Carl O'BrienWed Apr 14 2021 - 20:29

Secondary teachers’ to consider strike action unless there is end to pay inequality

Secondary teachers’ to consider strike action unless there is end to pay inequality

TUI: Career earnings gap of up to €80,000 due to lower pay scales, conference hears

By Peter McGuireThu Apr 08 2021 - 12:43

Syllabus guidelines are ‘recipe for disaster’, ASTI conference hears

Syllabus guidelines are ‘recipe for disaster’, ASTI conference hears

Second-level teachers express concern at level of guidance given for some subjects

By Martin WallTue Apr 06 2021 - 16:31

Leaving Cert: Fewer questions and more choice under new changes to exams

Leaving Cert: Fewer questions and more choice under new changes to exams

Time pressure on students will be relieved under changes to 2021 written papers

By Carl O'BrienTue Mar 23 2021 - 21:53

Irish-language groups call for postponing of process for new Leaving Cert syllabus

Irish-language groups call for postponing of process for new Leaving Cert syllabus

Joint call made for pause to process pending analysis of recent junior cycle changes

By Éanna Ó CaollaíThu Mar 18 2021 - 00:00

Leaving Cert grades have no meaning beyond CAO

Leaving Cert grades have no meaning beyond CAO

Comment: We need to think outside the box when reforming how we assess sixth year students

By Jim GleesonTue Feb 09 2021 - 00:00

Why should the Leaving Cert have to be ‘brutal but fair’?

Why should the Leaving Cert have to be ‘brutal but fair’?

Digital natives have to handwrite thousands of words as if their futures depended on it

By Patrick PrendergastTue Jan 26 2021 - 00:00

Covid-19: Ten ways pandemic will shape education in 2021

Covid-19: Ten ways pandemic will shape education in 2021

Will schools stay open? Will calculated grades return? A long shadow cast across the year

By Carl O'BrienTue Jan 05 2021 - 00:00

Students could get Leaving Cert points for work experience

Students could get Leaving Cert points for work experience

Draft report underlines need to provide more vocational pathways for students

By Carl O'BrienMon Dec 21 2020 - 01:03

In-school apprenticeships: Bold step for a reformed Leaving Cert?

In-school apprenticeships: Bold step for a reformed Leaving Cert?

‘It’s a no-brainer,’ says student who availed of accredited work experience in school

By Carl O'BrienMon Dec 21 2020 - 01:00

Leaving Cert oral exams could be held online or during Easter

Leaving Cert oral exams could be held online or during Easter

Extra choice in exam papers for candidates in light of potential disruption to school year

By Carl O'BrienMon Dec 14 2020 - 20:20

Family issues and exam stress behind rise in anxiety in primary school children

Family issues and exam stress behind rise in anxiety in primary school children

Landmark study examines lives of 4,000 children across hundreds of schools

By Carl O'BrienFri Dec 11 2020 - 07:19

Just 10-30 minutes a day for children's remote learning amid lockdown, says study

Just 10-30 minutes a day for children's remote learning amid lockdown, says study

Landmark study examines lives of 4,000 children across hundreds of primary schools

By Carl O'BrienFri Dec 11 2020 - 07:00

The Irish Times view on senior cycle education: could do better

The Irish Times view on senior cycle education: could do better

The Leaving Cert should not be a crude filter for third level. Now, more than ever, we need broader reforms which equip young people with a more rounded education

Tue Dec 01 2020 - 21:47

Leaving Cert ‘too narrow and rigid’, OECD review finds

Leaving Cert ‘too narrow and rigid’, OECD review finds

Main focus of senior cycle exam seems to be to act as ‘filter for entry’ to college

By Carl O'BrienMon Nov 30 2020 - 00:00

Covid-19: Minister tells parents schools will be ‘safe and welcoming’

Covid-19: Minister tells parents schools will be ‘safe and welcoming’

State exam students to get more choice in 2021 Leaving Cert and Junior Cycle papers

By Carl O'BrienFri Aug 21 2020 - 17:59

State exams to have wider question choice in 2021 due to closures

State exams to have wider question choice in 2021 due to closures

Move aims to lessen effect of missed classes on Junior and Leaving Cert candidates

By Carl O'BrienFri Aug 21 2020 - 03:20

Major funding package planned to help schools reopen ‘as fully as possible’

Major funding package planned to help schools reopen ‘as fully as possible’

One-metre distancing rule for students is ‘flexible’, says Department of Education

By Carl O'Brien and Paul CullenFri Jul 10 2020 - 04:30

Next year’s Leaving Cert students ‘need latitude’ after school closures

Next year’s Leaving Cert students ‘need latitude’ after school closures

Teacher unions say greater flexibility and ‘common sense approach’ needed

By Carl O'BrienWed Jul 01 2020 - 01:30

Where next for the Leaving Cert?

Where next for the Leaving Cert?

Calculated grades process has gone very smoothly so will there be any going back?

By Peter McGuireTue Jun 23 2020 - 00:00

‘Small number’ of schools yet to complete calculated-grades upload

‘Small number’ of schools yet to complete calculated-grades upload

Deadline extended last week to facilitate small number of schools who had not completed process

By Éanna Ó CaollaíMon Jun 22 2020 - 19:46

Schools begin sending calculated Leaving Cert grades

Schools begin sending calculated Leaving Cert grades

Concern over difficulties getting grades for students taking subjects outside school

By Carl O'BrienMon Jun 08 2020 - 02:56

Teachers voice concerns about health implications if Leaving Cert goes ahead

Teachers voice concerns about health implications if Leaving Cert goes ahead

Union agreement will be crucial in facilitating options such as expected grades

By Carl O'BrienThu May 07 2020 - 06:00

Children may learn foreign languages from third class

Children may learn foreign languages from third class

Sweeping changes proposed to primary school curriculum

By Carl O'BrienTue Feb 25 2020 - 06:32

The 12 education issues set to dominate 2020

The 12 education issues set to dominate 2020

Industrial strife, mergers and Leaving Cert reform will be prominent in coming year

By Carl O'BrienTue Jan 07 2020 - 00:00

Sex education review does not recommend changes to ethos opt-out rule

Sex education review does not recommend changes to ethos opt-out rule

Ethos of religious schools will be protected, Minister for Education says

By Carl O'BrienWed Dec 11 2019 - 19:57

Will Mandarin be the next global language?

Will Mandarin be the next global language?

Chinese is set to joint the Leaving Cert curriculum for the first time. But there are major barriers to it becoming a mainstream language in Irish schools

By Peter McGuireTue Dec 10 2019 - 00:00

The Secret Teacher: Desperately seeking a Junior Cycle sample paper

The Secret Teacher: Desperately seeking a Junior Cycle sample paper

Third years are preparing for the first-ever exams in a range of subjects so why are we only seeing the first sample papers now?

By The Secret Teacher and Carl O'BrienTue Nov 26 2019 - 00:00

Schools need to put children’s rights at the heart of education

Schools need to put children’s rights at the heart of education

Opinion: Young people are equal citizens with a powerful contribution to make

By Deirdre McGillicuddyWed Nov 20 2019 - 05:00

Teachers criticise new Junior Cycle Irish exam

Teachers criticise new Junior Cycle Irish exam

Increased focus on literature at the expense of the spoken language will drive pupils away from Irish, teachers warn

By Éanna Ó CaollaíWed Nov 13 2019 - 21:34

Students giving up sports and social activities due to Leaving Cert pressure

Students giving up sports and social activities due to Leaving Cert pressure

ESRI report finds strong appetite for senior cycle reform among pupils, parents and teachers

By Carl O'BrienThu Nov 07 2019 - 00:01

Bertie Ahern: Unionists ‘victims of double and trebling dealing’ on Brexit

Bertie Ahern: Unionists ‘victims of double and trebling dealing’ on Brexit

Former Taoiseach criticises ‘sheer ignorance of Irish history’ by some Brexiteers

By Ronan McGreevyWed Nov 06 2019 - 17:39

Examinations official criticises ‘relentless pursuit of CAO points’

Examinations official criticises ‘relentless pursuit of CAO points’

Developing more specialised third-level courses increases pressure on senior cycle, says Desmond

By Carl O'BrienThu Oct 24 2019 - 00:00

McHugh softens stance on amount of time schools must study history

McHugh softens stance on amount of time schools must study history

Minister for Education previously said history must be taught for same duration as English, maths and Irish

By Carl O'BrienFri Oct 18 2019 - 19:57

Traveller history to be ‘obligatory’ in schools if new Bill passed

Traveller history to be ‘obligatory’ in schools if new Bill passed

Minister expresses concerns over the draft legislation as Seanad votes to pass it

By Carl O'Brien and Marie O'HalloranThu Oct 17 2019 - 00:00

Leaving Cert ‘should have greater focus’ on work experience

Leaving Cert ‘should have greater focus’ on work experience

Concern expressed over lack of ‘rigorous and attractive’ vocational segment in senior cycle

By Carl O'BrienWed Oct 16 2019 - 06:00

ASTI warns against senior cycle reform until Junior Cycle changes are evaluated

ASTI warns against senior cycle reform until Junior Cycle changes are evaluated

Teacher’s union says many teachers are ‘overwhelmed’ by recent changes

By Carl O'BrienTue Oct 15 2019 - 16:44

History ‘special status’ forces big reversal of Junior Cycle reform

History ‘special status’ forces big reversal of Junior Cycle reform

Curriculum contradictions must be resolved to instil clarity and cohesion

By Colm O'ConnorTue Oct 15 2019 - 00:00

McHugh rules out giving special status to other Junior Cycle subjects

McHugh rules out giving special status to other Junior Cycle subjects

State schools say move to make history mandatory will decrease options for students

By Carl O'BrienTue Oct 01 2019 - 21:05

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