Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 March 2025
253. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the specific measures she will take to address the ongoing challenges in implementing the new Junior Cycle curriculum, particularly in terms of teacher workload and resource allocation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14907/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Junior Cycle Framework (2015) incorporates a modernised curriculum across all subjects and a balanced range of assessment modes that provides a learner experience appropriate to the needs of the 21st century. It provides students with learning opportunities that strike a better balance between learning knowledge and developing a wide range of skills and thinking abilities.
To support the implementation of the Junior Cycle Framework, teachers received comprehensive professional development in areas such as educational assessment, including processes of moderation, providing feedback to students, subject-specific methodologies etc. The teacher support service, now under Oide, continue to provide a comprehensive suite of supports for Junior Cycle, including but not limited to Subject Clusters in English, Gaeilge, Geography, Guidance, History, Home Economics, L1LPs/L2LPs, Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages, Music, Physical Education, Visual Art. In addition to this the Oide Wellbeing team continue to provide two day events in Junior Cycle Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) and Teaching Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE).
Principals and deputy principals in their leadership role received professional development in curriculum leadership, educational assessment including moderation, and change management. In recognition of the fact that the introduction of the Framework for Junior Cycle 2015 has implications for school leaders, extra hours were allocated to schools (via substitution) with effect from 2016 on an interim basis pending the restoration of leadership posts in schools, to help with the facilitation of this additional work.
The implementation of the Framework for Junior Cycle continues to be reviewed, in partnership with school leaders, teachers and other education partners. As part of the process of review, the University of Limerick was commissioned by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) to conduct a longitudinal research study - Evaluating the implementation and impact of the introduction of the Framework for Junior Cycle in Irish post-primary schools. This research began in late 2020. A number of interim reports have been published, and these have highlighted the benefits being seen from the Junior Cycle reforms such as an increase in student centred learning, as well as concerns in areas such as assessment. The final report is due to be published this year and its findings will inform consideration on the ongoing implementation of Junior Cycle.
