Junior Cycle Reform -Latest Developments
On 3rd November (2011) a number of proposals for changes to the junior cycle programme and qualification were endorsed by the Minister for Education and Skills, Mr. Ruairi Quinn. The Minister was acting on advice from the NCCA, following more than two years of discussion and consultation, in relation to what changes might best fit the needs of young people at this time. Indicating he wanted further discussion on resource implications and implementation arrangements to commence with the key stakeholders as soon as possible, he promised to present the outcome of those discussions to Government in due course.
TUI has not agreed to any of the proposals for change. Its endorsement of the substantive ideas set out by the NCCA is contingent on adequate resources being made available to enable effective implementation. It ensured this was conveyed to the Department in the letter that accompanied the framework document – view at www.tui.ie.
The union believes many of the proposals require very intensive exploration and discussion to determine if there is sufficient capacity within the education system and at school level to progress to implementation stage. Schools, education centres and local branches are encouraged to have workplace meetings to consider the proposals in detail and provide feedback to TUI head office over the coming months.
For more details of the proposals for a new junior cycle see:
A New Junior Cycle – A Quick Guide (TUI, November 2011)
Development of a new junior cycle - Background Note (TUI, November 2011)
Towards A Framework for Junior Cycle
Letter to Department of Education and Skills from NCCA
Earlier documentation
Click here to download the document circulated to TUI workplaces in November 2010
Click here for additional information prepared to assist TUI members and branches in engaging with the ideas set out by the NCCA for possible changes to the Junior Cycle and the Junior Certificate Examination.
Click here to download the document Innovation and Identity Ideas for a New Junior Cycle
Click here to download an article from the December 2009 TUI News on Junior Cycle issues
Click here to download an article from the May 2010 TUI News on Junior Cycle issues
Click here to access the NCCA's resource page on the initiative, which includes multimedia and video content