As the new year begins, it offers an opportunity to both reflect on the challenges and achievements of the past year and look ahead to what lies ahead. In Ireland and across the globe—particularly in the United States, Asia, and Australia—adapting to an AI-driven world is no longer a distant prospect but a present reality. Drawing on both my classroom experiences and wider educational trends, here are five predictions that I believe will shape Irish education in 2025:

1. Leaving Certificate Reform Will Be Put on Pause

By March 2025, the Department of Education will announce a pause in Leaving Certificate reforms. Development groups for subjects slated for introduction in September will be recalled, with a primary focus on investigating the potential and implications of AI in assessment. This pause will not only allow for a thorough examination of how AI can be integrated effectively into the new curriculum but also provide teachers with the opportunity to learn what AI is, how it works, and how to use it responsibly in the classroom. Additionally, it will give time to assess critical equity issues: how schools can be properly resourced with necessary digital infrastructure, and how, in a world increasingly influenced by AI, those who can afford premium AI tools may gain an advantage over those with access only to free, less capable models. This breathing space will be crucial for ensuring all schools, regardless of their location or resources, can provide students with equitab...