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The Cabinet Education subcommittee will be briefed today on the discussions that have been taking place with the aim of designing a format for this year’s Leaving Certificate exams.
It is understood that Education Minister Norma Foley hopes to provide, what is termed, a “substantial update” to the subcommittee.
The conversations between the minister, her officials, teacher unions and student representatives continued throughout the day yesterday.
Education Department sources said Minister Foley is expected to be in a position to announce concrete plans.
Irish Teachers Union President Martin Mejorana has said discussions will continue today and expects a decision “in the near future” on this year’s Graduation Certificate.
He said TUI is making a strong case for the importance of taking state exams, including the second components, oral and practical, as these are the most reliable methods for assessing student learning at the end of their education.
Mr. Marjoram said that it has been jointly decided that the Junior Certificate exam cannot be run this year or at the same time as the Exit Certificate.
He said with regret that TUI has called for school assessments for the Junior Certificate to allow students to go ahead and choose their students from the Certificate of Graduation.
He said TUI teachers are eager to return to school when it is safe to do so and agrees with the logic of a phased return with prioritized Leaving Certificate students after special education.
Mr. Marjoram said schools will ensure proper arrangements are in place to support students who drop out of education after the Junior Certificate cycle.
He said that a State Certification of Completion was agreed last year for those students who will not return to school after the Junior Certificate.
He said this is something very important for those students to carry with them.
Meanwhile, Housing, Local Government and Heritage Minister Darragh O’Brien said he hopes that issues related to the exit certificate “will be cleared up much later today” and that students will be top of mind. who participate in the conversations.
Also speaking on Morning Ireland, Ms. O’Brien said that it is an incredibly difficult time for young adults who are waiting to hear what will happen with the Leaving Cert this year, but who are not willing to set artificial hours.
However, the minister said he believes progress is being made and hopes there will soon be a move towards a deal, adding that Ms Foley will address the cabinet subcommittee tonight.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has said that every effort is being made to bring clarity to the more than 60,000 students who must sit the exam.
In an interview on RTÉ’s Prime Time last night, Varadkar said that no decision had been made on the Junior Certificate, but ruled out taking both exams side by side in June.
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