THE IRISH Second-Level Students’ Union (ISSU) has welcomed reforms proposed by Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills Mary Coughlan at the teachers’ conferences this week.
In a statement, the union – which is the national umbrella body for school student councils – congratulated the Minister on her speech at the TUI conference and called on her to keep her promises.
“There is hope for the future of education if the Minister follows through with her commitments, ultimately the proof will be in the pudding.”
The ISSU said it supported proposed bonus points for students who undertook higher level maths, and it also backed a review of the Junior Certificate programme.
It said the Minster had recognised “the need to move away from a system that encourages rote learning in a step towards a system that fosters critical thinking . . .
“She could be the catalyst for change that Irish education needs. She is clearly bubbling with enthusiasm in her new role and is eager to bring about change.”
The organisation, however, renewed its call for students to be included in the decision-making.