Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 February 2022
72. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on the connection between leaving certificate reform such as hybrid models in the future and entry to further and higher education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6115/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is my view that any reform of the Leaving Certificate must be considered in the broader context of Senior Cycle Reform – we must consider the programme, subjects, skills and objectives in the round, not just the state examinations. We must reflect on how to ensure that all students are prepared to pursue their future paths, be they academic or vocational.
Although the Leaving Certificate is the terminal exam for post-primary education, not an entrance exam for third level, many students see the Leaving Certificate as their only gateway to higher education. It is because of this that so many students feel under huge pressure to perform well in the exams. Any conversations around Leaving Certificate reform on entry to further and higher education must look at how we can move beyond the points’ race and all the stress and worry of that for students and their families, and create additional and alternative pathways to further and higher education.
That is where my focus will be – on making sure that school leavers have as many ways as possible to progress to where they want to in terms of careers, and on making sure they understand the full range of options that are available to them in the further and higher education system.
I look forwarded to reviewing the NCCA’s forthcoming report on priority areas and goals for the reform of senior cycle, and considering its implications for the further and higher education system in collaboration with my colleague, the Minister for Education.
