IBEC Backs Junior Cert Reform Proposal

Business & Finance - Industry

Thursday, 03 November 2011 15:09

Written by Katrina Doyle

IBEC, the group that represents Irish business, today welcomed the decision by the Minister for Education and Skills Ruairi Quinn to back proposals for reform of the Junior Cert.

IBEC head of education policy, Tony Donohoe said: "This could be the most important education reform of recent years. An overhaul of the current over-crowded, rigid and subject-based curriculum is long overdue. The current system does not encourage the types of creativity, flexibility, independent thinking and appetite for learning that are so critical in later stages of education and in the workplace.

"However, this will be a more challenging curriculum in terms of its impact on the learning environment, teaching practice and assessment methods. To introduce it successfully, teachers will require adequate professional development and schools will need to be supported by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. It is important that the new programme is adequately resourced if it is to develop a broader range of skills and stimulate pupils’ enthusiasm for learning."