Concern over ‘rushed' Leaving Certificate changes for nine subjects in WEEKS amid AI fears and ‘high stress' blast

The Irish Sun

2 days ago

MAJOR concerns have been raised over "rushed" changes to several Leaving Certificate subjects from September.
Changes are set to take effect to the Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Arabic, Latin and Ancient Greek subjects in just a few weeks.
A new subject, Climate Action and Sustainable Development, has also been added to the senior cycle curriculum.
The changes will see 40 per cent of a overall marks come as a result of assessments such as project work, oral exams, or practical assessments.
The remaining 60 per cent of marks will be made up from a traditional written exam.
The move has been made in an attempt to more widely asses a student's capabilities and reflect progress from throughout the year, not just on exam day.
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Similar structures are already in use for certain subjects such as Irish, where the oral exam forms 40 per cent of marks, art, where a project makes up 50 per cent of marks and music, where a practical exam makes up 50 per cent of marks.
Design and Communication Graphics also has a similar marking scheme, with 40 per cent of marks coming from project work.
However, ASTI raised concerns over damage to education quality and a rise in inequality over September's changes.
ASTI President and Donegal school teacher Padraig Curley blasted the "sweeping changes" despite objections from teachers.
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He said: "Sweeping changes to the Leaving Cert are coming this September, despite major concerns about the use of AI in Leaving Cert Additional Assessment Components, the widening of inequalities amongst students, and a lack of adequate training for teachers.'
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Curley claimed teachers will be "left grappling" with the changes in September.
He said: "Last May almost 20,000 ASTI members voted down a proposed package of support measures because they failed to address teachers' most significant concerns.
"The ASTI's priority is to enter a viable process which allows for teachers' real and valid concerns to be voiced and addressed.
"We call on Minister McEntee to do everything in her power to ensure that this happens in a timely manner.'
'Classroom teachers will be left grappling with the unknown this September.
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"In addition, many teachers of biology, chemistry and physics face implementing new subject specifications in the absence of the necessary lab space, equipment and training for teachers.
"This is a recipe for high stress for both students and their teachers.'
The changes will kick in for new senior cycle students just days after thousands of outgoing students receive their exam results on August 22.
And the changes will keep on coming after September of this year.
English, Geography, and Physical Education will also adopt the new format from 2027.
Additional subjects such as Drama, Film, and Theatre Studies will also be offered to leaving cert students.
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Students starting fifth year in September will be impacted
Credit: David Jones/PA Wire