More students expected to get higher grades under Junior Cycle update
The minister for education Helen McEntee has announced that new changes to the grading system will be in place in time for over 73,000 students due to sit their Junior Cycle exams in June.
Since starting its rollout in 2017, reforms of the Junior Cycle have replaced the traditional ABC style of grading.
The Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA) introduced instead "merits" (55% to 74%), "higher merits" (75% to less than 90%), and "distinctions" (90% and above).
Under the changes announced today by the minister, these grades will now be evenly distributed in bands of 15 percentage points — meaning to receive a distinction a student needs to score 85% or higher, instead of 90%.
In recent years, the State Examinations Commission (SEC) has defended the drop off in the numbers of students achieving the highest grades at Junior Cycle.
Students themselves have been campaigning for changes to the system, which they describe as 'demotivating and disheartening'
Transition Year students at Coláiste Bhríde in Carnew, Co Wicklow, launched their national campaign after they received their Junior Cycle results last October.
'We saw some of our peers that worked really hard didn't get the results they deserved,' student Sarah Jennings said.
Another concern for teachers and students was the 'broad' merit band, which previously ran from 55% to 74%.
Under the previous system, a student who received 70% in an exam received a merit grade. Under the new system, this student will receive a higher merit.
Higher numbers of students will achieve distinction and higher merit grades with this change, Ms McEntee said.
'With the top four grade bands now becoming evenly distributed, this will have a positive impact on students, ensuring their grades are more reflective of their work and effort, as well as of the work of our teachers.'
Teacher conferences
The changes have been announced as the annual teachers' union conferences continue this Easter week.
Tuesday marks the opening of both the Association of Secondary Teachers (ASTI) and Teachers' Union of Ireland (TUI) conferences.
The ASTI is expected to debate a motion seeking legal indemnity for teachers who suspect a student may have used AI as part of project work due to be introduced under Leaving Cert reforms.
Both the ASTI and the TUI have voiced concerns and opposition to the proposed changes, due to begin rollout from this September.
Both unions have previously called on the minister to pause the reforms, voicing fears around schools's capacity to roll out the changes — which will begin with chemistry, biology, physics, as well as business studies.
A main point of contention is the introduction of project work called additional assessment components (AACs) to be worth 40%.
Separately, English teachers have raised concerns about proposed changes to the Leaving Cert subject.
While many are enthusiastic about certain aspects of the proposed changes, they are also concerned about the 'overall thrust of the redevelopment process', according to the Irish National Organisation of English Teachers (Inote).
In a letter to Ms McEntee, the group warns that potential problems seem 'too substantial to justify moving away from the current specification, which is working very well and has done so for the past 25 years'
While the group strongly welcomes the concept of an oral exam in English for the first time, it has also voiced concerns around the introduction of an additional assessment components in the subject.
This additional assessment component will be 'extremely vulnerable to AI abuse in ways we cannot even conceive of now, in 2025', it wrote.
'No one knows the capabilities generative AI will have in October 2027, when this proposed AAC will first take place
'AI has already infiltrated our English classrooms and it represents the very antithesis of creativity, as we understand it; in fact, it short circuits this most human of endeavours.'
Given the high-stakes nature of this assessment, and 'the inability of teachers to ensure the authenticity of student work in an AI-saturated world', Inote added it would expect a 'detailed and convincing implementation document that can guarantee the same integrity as the current exam model".
'If student work cannot be authenticated satisfactorily, then this assessment moment needs a complete re-think or the weighting of this assessment should at least be reduced to 10%.'
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Irish Examiner
7 days ago
- Irish Examiner
‘I work hard so my children will not struggle the way I do': Irish aid supports enterprising women in Sri Lanka
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'Sometimes I find myself cutting all the fabric shapes out on the floor here — you can still see the marks from the knife — and then I may fall asleep on the ground. 'My children then, who wake up will come in and see me asleep on the floor with no pillow, no blanket, and then give out to me saying: 'You should not be working that late.' ' Renuka's home is a small two-bedroom house with a red-clay floor. Her living room also acts as a kitchen, and her sewing machine sits right next to the front door, in front of the kitchen sink. 'My dream is to send my children abroad, to make sure that they don't suffer as I do here in Sri Lanka,' she said. I will struggle, and I will do as much as I can. I will try to bring as much money home so that when they finish school and then get a degree, they will not struggle the way that I do now. 'At some point in my life I would also like to open up a shop selling sports kits. That has always been my dream, for the past 25 years.' Renuka said she has always been sewing since before her children were born. 'When I was heavily pregnant with my son, 18 years ago, I was sewing all the orders which would fit into gallon bags, and carrying them by myself to the shops to give it to them. 'They would wonder, 'how are you carrying these all by yourself,' and I would say: 'It's all OK, I can do this.' 'I really struggled for the past few years. Things were really difficult, I would go seeking help, any kind of support that I could get, crying because I needed to support my two children and make sure that they get through their education.' Disabled sisters run their own business Sumeda, 37, and her sisters, Kamani and Kumudu, set up a small business selling bags to tourist companies and tourist shops across the country. 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My other sister Kamani adds the zips and handles to it. 'We all do different things, but we do this together.' Sumeda hopes that one day their business will take off and allow them to eventually purchase a wheelchair-accessible van. The sisters smiled as they spoke to the Irish Examiner about their passion for creating. They moved to Godagama after leaving the home for disabled people in Rajagiriya. 'One day, we hope that we can live well enough and not worry about anything else,' Sumeda said. Latha: 'I love what I am doing' Meanwhile, in Kolonnawa near the Kelaniya river, Latha, 42, works hard every day designing handbags, backpacks, and travel bags for eager customers who place orders of between 100-300 items. Latha tells Imasha Costa she makes 100,000 rupees (€281) a month from her business designing handbags, backpacks, and travel bags. But 'after paying our food, our bills, and my daughters' education fees, their school travel fees, nothing is left over.' Originally from Matale in the Central Province north of Kandy, Latha says she makes 100,000 rupees (€281) a month from her business. 'After paying our food, our bills, and my daughters' education fees, their school travel fees, nothing is left over,' the mother of three said. 'I love what I am doing. I wake up at 5am every morning, get everything in the house done before I start working. And some nights I do not finish until 1am or 2am, and then I am up again. It's constant. 'My husband helps me transport the items wherever they need to go, like to the Petta markets, the fairs across different areas, and even up north to Jaffna. It is a great help.' Latha said that when she first started out, when she wanted to get into the business at first, she was told she needed over 500,000 rupees (€1,407) as a downpayment. 'I sold two of my gold bangles for 260,000 rupees [€732], and pawned my sister's two bangles for a similar amount,' she said. However, she was at a loss after that, after the deal fell apart and she lost her money because the plan did not come to fruition. Now, she works from her home, with another woman in her employ, and has already begun teaching some of her neighbours how to sew bags as well. 'My dream is to own a bigger place so that my family and I can thrive there. This means that I can hire more people and we can carry out more orders,' Latha said. Impact of Trump's defunding of USAID Project manager and deputy executive director for Sarvodaya, JMM Niswi, said that Latha, Sumeda, and Renuka and her sisters are examples of thousands of women across the country who start small businesses out of their homes to support their families. Sarvodaya supports many women across Sri Lanka and, following a 'due process screening' and applications, it provides what these women need to help them carry out their business. However, Mr Niswi raised concerns about Donald Trump's freezing of US aid, which the organisation and many others across the country benefited from. Since 1956, the US has provided over $2bn (€1.69bn) in development assistance to the country. After it was frozen in March this year, we had to stop three projects and terminate contracts of 22 staff members. "Talented, very talented, staff who we could not fund anymore,' he said. 'Some 18% to 20% of projects within our organisation were funded by USAid. Now we have been informed that it may take more than three years before we see anything come our way. Latha works from home in Kolonnawa, Sri Lanka, designing and making handbags, backpacks, and travel bags and she now employs another woman. 'These women that we support need continuous progress. It's not just that we get grants to give them, say, for example, a sewing machine — we also support them through promoting themselves, how to market, how to sell, and how to compete with corporate markets. 'If we lose this funding, then we would have to pause those supports, which could lead to these women and their work being put on hold, which could lead to them to become disheartened, lose hope, and all the effort that we have put in for them to progress will be lost.' Mr Niswi added that while they are looking elsewhere for funding, it is difficult to get anything at all. 'We are looking to European funding, but they are much more lengthy and specific and very likely to get your proposals rejected,' he said. 'Sri Lanka, unlike other countries, does not have a culture of funding its homegrown NGOs, and I do not think it ever will.' Ireland's humanitarian and development work When asked, the Department of Foreign Affairs said it is continuing to 'closely assess the immediate and long-term impact of funding cuts from the US and other countries'. 'The impact of these cuts are being felt across many countries. We are continuing to work with our partners, including civil society and multilateral partners, to assess the impact of funding cuts,' a spokesperson said. Minister of state Neale Richmond said that 'at a time when humanitarian needs are rising globally, the impact of funding cuts from the US and elsewhere are having a severe impact.' The budget for Irish Aid is at record levels and we are going to continue to invest in supporting the people in the world left furthest behind. 'The impact of Ireland's humanitarian and development work around the world is something Irish people should feel very proud about. 'Through our embassy in India, Ireland has supported civil society organisations in Sri Lanka. Most recently we supported Misean Cara's work to strengthen the rights of women and children.' Mr Richmond said this work is 'vital' and that its embassy in India remains 'engaged in Sri Lanka and, along with EU partners, we are monitoring political developments and human rights of vulnerable people'. This reporting was facilitated by a grant from the Simon Cumbers Fund
Irish Daily Mirror
24-07-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Education Minister defends length of school summer holidays in Ireland
The Education Minister has defended the length of schools' summer holidays, saying they offer people a chance to "take a break". Helen McEntee acknowledged that it was a challenge for parents in need of childcare, and any decision on changing the length of the school year would require a considered approach. There has been some commentary in recent weeks that the length of the school holidays – three months for secondary schools and two months for primary – are out of date, as Ireland has some of the longest school breaks in Europe. Visiting a Clondalkin primary school on Thursday, where children were taking part in a summer programme for two weeks, Ms McEntee said: "I'm here in a school where you have principals, teachers, SNAs, who are working and supporting children throughout the summer. "We've always had a particular time period for school holidays. "What we find, particularly for our secondary schools, is that they're actually coming back earlier now, in August, so the Leaving Cert results will be out from the 22nd, some students are actually in that week and, in fact, the following week is when a lot of schools are coming back. "Our teachers work hard, our schools are very active throughout the year. I think the time that's taken throughout the summer gives everybody a chance to take a break." A view of the summer programme at St Mary's Junior National School in Clondalkin, Dublin. It features baking, literacy and outdoor classes for students over the summer break. Picture date: Thursday July 24, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Grainne Ni Aodha/PA Wire The children at St Mary's Junior National School learn literacy and numerical skills, and how to bake, as part of the summer programme, which gives educational support to children, including those with special educational needs. They can also paint in the school's outdoor wooden classroom, called the sun room, which was funded by the Arts Council. Ms McEntee said 1,800 schools are taking part in the summer programme this year, including 80 special schools, a 16 per cent increase on last year. Asked if the activity of the summer programme suggested the summer break was too long, she said the programme initially began "with a particular emphasis on special education". "For children with additional needs, to have that structure and to have that focus, is really, really important. 'And I think there was an acknowledgement that to have that extra support throughout the summer is something that would be hugely beneficial, not just for the students, but also for the parents. "It's obviously since expanded, it's not just a focus on special schools or additional needs, it's a focus on our DEIS schools, making sure that where children – and it's not all children that access the programme – but if there is that need there to have that extra support, that structure throughout the summer, it's there. Education Minister Helen McEntee (left) and junior minister Emer Higgins (centre) during a visit to the summer programme at St Mary's Junior National School in Clondalkin, Dublin. It features baking, literacy and outdoor classes for students over the summer break. Picture date: Thursday July 24, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Grainne Ni Aodha/PA Wire "It's also fun. "I do acknowledge, I have to say, the challenges for parents when it comes to childcare, when it comes to the fact that in many households you have both parents working now full time, so the summer does pose challenges. "But you know, I think any changes to summer breaks, any changes to holidays, that's something that would always have to be considered in engagement and consultation with schools, with teachers, with parents, with families overall." Ms McEntee also announced a National Convention on Education, to inform a long-term strategy for primary and secondary education in Ireland. Professor Anne Looney, who will chair the convention, said in a statement she was looking forward to being involved in ensuring "we give our learners and those who work with them the best opportunities to flourish and succeed." Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Irish Daily Mirror
23-07-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
'She was a lady' - Ray D'Arcy battles back tears at his beloved mum's funeral
Radio and TV host Ray D'Arcy has revealed his mother Mary was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer six weeks ago. Speaking at her Funeral Mass on Wednesday, an emotional Ray fought back tears as he told mourners at St Brigid's Parish Church in Kildare Town that his mother was given 'weeks to live'. Addressing mourners, the RTE star said: 'She had some trouble over the last 18 months with her health, nothing life threatening, we thought. 'And then about six weeks ago, we got the diagnosis of an aggressive form of cancer. The doctor said, weeks then last Wednesday, they said it was going to be short days, and she didn't suffer much. 'It was funny, the staff in Naas had the measure of mammy. One of the ward nurses, Mary was her name too, actually, she said to me, 'your mother strikes me as someone who wouldn't complain.' 'She wouldn't be asking for pain relief, she said. And then Linda, another nurse, she was a palliative care nurse. She had the official name for our mother. She said, 'Your mother is an under reporter, an under reporter'. That was ma. A slight woman with a huge heart.' Ray described his mother as a 'lady' who would put every Minister for Finance to shame as she raised nine children in a house with 'very little money'. Ray D'Arcy and his wife Jenny pictured this morning at the funeral of his mother, Mary D'Arcy. (Image: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin) Mourners follow the hearse from the funeral home. (Image: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin) 'Nine children in 16 years, a lot of children, but not a lot of money. It could have broken her, you know, and probably nearly did at times, but our mother was made of strong, strong stuff. 'Her ability to manage a household budget on a meagre income would put many a Minister for Finance to shame. 'We never wanted for anything. Actually, I really don't know how she did it. I'm in awe of how she got through it. Imagine at one stage, nine of us in that little council cottage, Joan, a baby, Joe doing his Leaving Cert. 'I remember actually when mammy was pregnant with Joan, our father arrived home from the pub one night. When he went into the kitchen, mam was in tears over the sink, doing the washing up, and she complained to him that none of us were pulling our weight. 'So he returned to the sitting room. We were all in there, maybe watching The Old Grey Whistle Test or something, and he proceeded to read us the riot act. 'Your mother needs your help,' he said, 'It's not my fault your mother's pregnant,' he said. 'And if you didn't laugh, you'd cry. We all turned out reasonably okay.' Ray told how his mother was 'kind, tolerant and forgiving' who was a devout Catholic that was 'unsettled' when the church scandals emerged in recent years. 'Our mother flourished as we became independent of her…our mother was a calming presence everywhere she went. She was active all over the place. I don't know how she did it. Mary D'Arcy's remains arrive at the church. (Image: Ray D'Arcy and other family members carry his mother's remains. (Image: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin) 'She was a member of the Community Council. She was on school management boards. She was an integral part of the local history group. She led the choir here in St Brigid's church for years. 'She was a devout Catholic. The scandals really unsettled my mother, but she had a great relationship with her God. We joked, actually, over the last few days, that she's been fast tracked to heaven, the full VIP treatment, complimentary chocolates on arrival. 'Our mother, slight of stature, but big of heart was a truly good person. She was kind, she was tolerant, she was forgiving, she was a great listener, and she gave sage advice. 'She had a great memory. She never forgot a birthday of her nine children, 16 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. 'The arrival in the post of the package or card with her beautifully neat handwriting was a constant in all our lives, as was her beautiful, warm smile…a smile that was full of mother's love.' Ray also recalled the time his mother interviewed Pogues singer Shane MacGowan at her kitchen table live on the radio. 'The pioneer in conversation with the Pogues lead singer, very much not a pioneer, that shouldn't have worked at all. 'And for the first five minutes or so, it was awkward and stopped, starting. I'm sure the listeners probably felt uncomfortable. 'But then our mother, she was a huge fan of Shane McGowan. She appreciated his genius, and she'd read his biography, and then she said to him, after about five minutes, and of course, Shane, you were in the Nipple Erectors. Shane laughed that raspy laugh, and that was that they got on famously a mutual admiration society of sorts.' He said Mary 'travelled a lot in later life, she loved a good sitcom, always a good musical as well. She loved the movies, and up until a couple of years ago, she went up to Dublin every Wednesday to meet Angela or Alison to go to the cinema.' 'She was vibrant, very much young at heart. She had a beautiful energy. She was a lady. She was intelligent and insightful. She was a wonderful mother, and we were very lucky to have her. He added that just before she died last Friday morning, his sister Anne told her how much her family loved her. 'And I imagine if my mother could have talked on Friday morning, she would have said, I love you all too, equally and unconditionally. 'Our mother, Mary Darcy, was a truly amazing person, and we missed her terribly.' Symbols to the altar included hymnal 'representing mammy's devotion to and love of hymns in general', a copy of the Jesuit magazine 'The Messenger'. 'Our mother literally spread the word of God for 36 years, as she delivered The Messenger every month for 36 years.' A book of crosswords was also brought to the altar. Father Adrian Carbery told the congregation Mary was a 'lady'. He said: 'We have to say that Mary was a remarkable woman. She had a huge impact on the whole community. She lived a long life, and she lived it to the full. 'She really made a profound impact on Kildare through her involvement in so many activities around the place and her commitment to the Historical Society, her love for the drama, her weekly distributing newsletters from the parish, The Messenger magazine for years and years and years, which I think was a legacy from Sister Annunziata, she continued it on right to the very end. 'She had a great love for people,' he added. Mary was buried after her Funeral Mass in St. Conleth's Cemetery in Kildare Town. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
