Leaving Cert Reform Decision Backed by Students 

The Irish Second-Level Students’ Union (ISSU) welcomes Minister McEntee’s decision to continue with the introduction of Senior Cycle Redevelopment, despite calls for a ‘one year pause’.

ISSU President, Jack McGinn, said: ‘We welcome Minister McEntee’s decision to continue with Senior Cycle Redevelopment. We are redeveloping our Senior Cycle because we need to deliver a better system for students, that is what these redevelopments will achieve - we cannot afford to wait another year. I welcome the announcement of specific posts of responsibilities to support schools in implementing the reforms, and the increase and extension of grant funding for the science subjects - ensuring that students will have equal access to resources.’

‘The ISSU encourages stakeholders to support the implementation support measures. It is imperative that we deliver clarity for students on the ground, to enable them to reach their full potential’, McGinn added.

The ISSU highlights the importance of the phased implementation of redeveloped subjects. Tranche 1 of the redeveloped subjects, launching this September, will include eight subjects; Ancient Greek, Arabic, Biology, Chemistry, Latin, Physics, and Business Studies. Remaining redeveloped subjects will launch gradually, in subsequent tranches.