Major changes to the Junior Certificate syllabus would put less pressure on a single terminal exam and enable pupils to show what they can do away from the exam hall.

This is the suggestion being put forward by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), which has revealed details of four short courses from a proposed eight such courses. These are aimed at moving away from rote learning and from the idea that students are only taught what they need to know to pass their tests, the Irish Independent reports.

Draft proposals have been revealed for physical education, social, personal and health education, civic, social and personal education and computer coding. As part of the move, pupils will be marked on sporting performance, their ability to write computer code and other practical activities.

The NCCA - which is the the Government education advisory body behind the development of the courses - is keen to receive feedback on the proposals between now and Christmas.

Written by Donal Walsh

Comments