Plans to revise four Leaving Certificate subject areas are being delayed as a result of budgetary pressures.

According to the Irish Independent, reforms are needed to modernise the curriculum and ensure that pupils are leaving school with the skills they need.

The Department of Education said there is no firm timescale at the moment for the introduction of changes to the syllabus of subjects including engineering technology, art and economics.

Changes to the art curriculum would see students learning about digital media, the publication noted.

"Today's economy demands not only a high-level competence in the traditional academic disciplines but also what might be called 21st century skills," said Tony Donohoe, head of education and innovation policy at IBEC.

The American Chamber of Commerce Ireland criticised the Leaving Certificate earlier this year, claiming there is not enough emphasis on problem-solving and too much emphasis on rote learning, meaning students are unable to think for themselves.

Written by Donal Walsh

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