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Employers welcome Junior Cert overhaul

Thursday, October 04 14:07:10

Employers group IBEC, today welcomed the decision by the Minister for Education and Skills Ruairi Quinn to radically reform junior cycle assessment and teaching methods.

The Minister's announcement follows a long campaign by the business community to replace the current over-crowded and rigid state examination with a school-based approach to assessment.

IBEC Head of Education Policy Tony Donohoe said: "If done right, this could prove to be the most important education reform of recent years. It presents a real opportunity to move away from the dominance of rote learning and support the development of critical thinking in students."

"Business needs employees with the capacity to analyse, communicate, be creative, manage information and work with others. The new curriculum should provide an opportunity to develop these type of attributes and skills from an early age."

"It is critical that the new programme receives adequate resources. The proposed curriculum gives teachers the space to be innovative and provide a more rounded education experience for their pupils. However they will require support in terms of continuing professional development and training in new assessment techniques."

"An industry/education group has already been established to advise the department on ways in which information technology can enhance junior cycle reform. We look forward to supporting an initiative which has the potential to equip our young people with skills to prosper in the workplace and society of the future."