2009 Scrapping Proposal
In late 2009 the Irish Government considered completely scrapping all Junior Cert examinations permanently. The move was met by criticism and outrage from the Teachers Union (ASTI), but the Government said that scrapping the annual examinations and replacing them with continual assessment would save the country €30 million. The dispute is ongoing as of November 2009.
In November of 2011, the government agreed to scrap the Junior Cert and instead, introduce a brand new syllabus in 2014, with only 60% of the test going for a written exam. The other 40% would be based on continuous assessment over two years. Students may also be able to pick up marks in extra-curricular activities such as debating or drama.
Students currently in fifth class of primary school will be the first to try this new program.
Read more about this topic: Junior Certificate