Junior Cycle reforms leave students unprepared for Leaving Cert, study finds – The Irish Times

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 senior cycle.

That is one of the findings of a study on the impact of education reforms at Junior Cycle carried out by academics at University of Limerick on behalf of the State advisory body on the school curriculum.

Junior Cycle reforms were aimed at giving students a 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.

There is also dissatisfaction with the Junior Cycle written exams, particularly the grading bands and lack of choice in exam papers.

In addition, many teachers and principals…

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Irish Times