Study Shows Junior Cycle Reforms Leaving Students Unprepared For Leaving Cert

Clare FM

Many principals and teachers believe there is a disconnect between the reformed Junior Cycle and more challenging Leaving Cert which is leaving students and teachers underprepared for the demands of the senior cycle. Junior Cycle reforms were aimed at giving students greater ownership of their learning, boosting collaboration among teachers and reducing the emphasis on written exams. While the research findings show there is support for the aims of the reforms, there are concerns among principals and teachers over students’ preparedness for the Leaving Cert, which is seen as requiring a greater depth of knowledge. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Professor Oliver McGarr, Faculty Of Education & Health Sciences, School Of Education at UL and by Clodagh O’Hara of St Patrick’s Comprehensive, Shannon and new member of the Teaching Council.