Minister for Education announces major changes to the Junior Cycle
Minister for Education, Helen McEntee has announced major changes to the Junior Cycle.
Speaking on Tuesday, the minister announced that new grade bands will be implemented for incoming students.
There will be the same number of grade bands as prior years, with the top four grade descriptors, Distinction, Higher Merit, Merit, and Achieved, being evenly distributed in bands of fifteen percentage points. Minister for Education, Helen McEntee has announced major changes to the Junior Cycle. Pic: Rollingnews.ie
Discussing the new move, Minister McEntee said: 'I am delighted to confirm that the grade bands at Junior Cycle will be amended, and that these changes will apply to the more than 73,000 students due to sit their examinations in the coming weeks.
'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.'
Expressing their hopes for upcoming exam years, she added: 'It can be expected that higher numbers of students will achieve Distinction and Higher Merit grades with this change. Speaking on Tuesday, the minister announced that new grade bands will be implemented for incoming students. Pic: Mark Stedman/RollingNews.ie
'While today I am announcing changes to the grade bands for students in 2025 and future years, they remain sufficiently broad to ensure that students can focus on learning and engaging in school, and on becoming independent, resourceful and confident learners, rather than focusing solely on examinations. It is vital that students, their learning and engagement remains at the heart of Junior Cycle.'
The changes will come into effect for the more than 73,000 students due to sit their Junior Cycle examinations this coming June.
Breaking down the new bands, a Distinction will now be awarded for marks from 85% upwards, where it was previously from 90%.
A Higher Merit will now be awarded for marks between 70% to 85%, instead of marks between 75% to 90%.
The changes have been announced as the minister prepares to address teachers at their annual trade union conferences this week.
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