Pupils at schools in Ireland will enjoy a wider range of learning experiences following the replacement of the Junior Certificate.

This is the suggestion of Anne Looney, Chief Executive of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, who noted that schools assessing their own students will bring many benefits for all concerned, the Irish Examiner reports.

Speaking at an event organised by the Joint Managerial Body (JMB), Ms Looney told more than 500 school leaders that while students will have studied fewer subjects for assessment purposes, the change will mean them being assessed in many different ways and making greater use of technology.

She stated: "They are going to have to work a bit harder because the active learning, group learning and project work mean there is nowhere to hide down the back of the classroom."

Ferdia Kelly, General Secretary of the JMB, said that teachers of all subjects should take part in a training day regarding the new assessment approaches this year, as this will allow the transition to run more smoothly. 

Written by Donal Walsh

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