Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has backed reform of the Leaving Cert, which would see less stress on rote learning and more on practical work. Seán Flynn, Education Editor, reports.
In an article in The Irish Times this morning as 52,000 students begin the exam, Mr Ahern points to the high international standing of the Leaving Cert. But he also points to several flaws, including:
- The need to find a better balance between rote learning and independent research and critical thinking skills;
- The poor take-up among students for higher-level maths;
- The need to develop stronger oral language skills in Irish. He says more marks should be given for the oral component of the exam.
The Taoiseach says he knows from his own children how the Leaving Cert tends to require a great deal of rote learning. "This is something we need to look at. It's important to find the right balance between being able to remember a lot of information and being able to analyse what you know . . ."
Mr Ahern backs the use of project work such as in the revised history and geography courses being examined for the first time this year. The Taoiseach's comments about rote learning follow complaints about falling standards from both the chief examiner in maths and lecturers in third-level maths. They say many students memorise huge volumes of information, but have little understanding of it. Examiners have made similar criticisms about other subjects.
This week may mark the last time students take Paper 1 in English and Irish in June. In a discussion document, the State Exams Commission (SEC) says moving the exams to May would be a positive step.
In the past year, Minister for Education Mary Hanafin has backed practical measures which will ease stress on students. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) is reviewing the entire Leaving Cert exam.
Last night, the employers' body Ibec backed Leaving Cert reform. The current points system suits some students, but does not bring out the best in many, said assistant director Caroline Nash.