There’s growing demand to change the format of the Leaving Cert

Some interesting changes could be coming.

A new review into the Leaving Cert cycle has indicated growing support for the introduction of continuous assessment as part of a reformed Leaving Cert.

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) published the findings of its interim review of the senior cycle, based on consultations with more than 2,500 students and hundreds of parents and teachers across 41 schools.

Participants involved in the research showed a desire for the Leaving Cert to be assessed on a continuous basis rather than the standardised one-off form of testing.

The report stated that there’s a preference for “flexible assessment that is credit based with less emphasis on terminal exams might be more inclusive”.

“Continuous assessment was seen as more accessible for students with SEN (Special Educational Needs) and those with a practical/technical orientation, but participants cautioned against assessment overload,” the report read.

Aside from continuous assessment, there were also calls for a broader array of exam techniques to be adopted.

For example, rather than just having a traditional question sheet and answer book approach, assessment methods such as projects, teamwork and portfolios were also suggested.

It’s argued that introducing a system of continuous assessment will “enhance engagement, attendance and retention as well as engendering confidence and a sense of achievement”.

There were also calls to incorporate elements of the transition year experience – such as work experience or life skills – into the senior testing cycle too.

The NCCA said a new phase of meetings over the Leaving Cert cycle is underway, that it will run until November of this year and that they’re actively looking for public feedback.

Once agreed, an advisory report including the areas for development and advice on the pace and scale of senior cycle developments in the coming years will be sent to the Minister for Education and Skills for consideration.