The achievements of students in sport, charity work and other extra-curricular activities could be specifically recognised in a remodelled Junior Certificate, according to the report.
It suggests that students might be awarded certificates which would recognise their achievement "across the full spectrum of their schooling and education". This, it says, might include "their engagement with extra-curricular activities and their contribution to the social life of the school. Attendance could also be noted." It says this could result in "a new type of certification . . . with the student's results in State exams listed along with those achievements certified by the school.
"Assessment and certification on these lines would add value to the process of education by recognising skills, qualities and aptitudes in students that are not accredited at present."
Certification of these skills might be particularly important for students who are not academically strong or those - such as many students from a disadvantaged background - who feel uncomfortable in a classroom environment.
The report says that working to shorter-term goals might also help to increase the motivation of students. It also suggests a reshaped 1st Year in secondary school, with pupils working on a very broad non-exam-based curriculum.