ASTI - Ireland's main second level teachers union

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ASTI General Secretary Pat King has welcomed today’s statement by the Minister for Education and Skills Ruairi Quinn that a proposal to limit Junior Cert students to eight examinable subjects will not be implemented in second-level schools in 2012.

The ASTI had informed the Minister that the proposal was causing alarm and confusion amongst parents, teachers and schools.

Speaking today, Pat King said: “While the ASTI agrees that the Junior Cert programme has become ‘overloaded’ and is in need of reform, the recent unexpected announcement that students entering second-level schools in 2012 would be limited to eight subjects in their Junior Cert exam was causing major confusion. This announcement was made in the absence of any information as to how it would work in schools”.

Pat King said the ASTI received hundreds of communications from teachers around the country concerned about the implementation of the eight-subject limit and its implications for students, schools and teachers. The ASTI communicated these concerns to the Minister and the Department of Education and Skills and also highlighted them in the media.

“The eight-subject limit is part of the wider Junior Certificate reform proposals which – it has been indicated – will be introduced in schools in 2014. It makes no sense whatsoever to implement, on its own, a single proposal which is inextricably linked to the overall proposals. We appreciate that the Minister listened to our concerns in this regard.”

The ASTI also welcomed the Minister’s announcement today that reform of the Junior Certificate will be accompanied by necessary investment in planning, resources and teacher professional development. “We have already stated to the Minister that any announcement of the implementation of Junior Cert reform without at the same time announcing a comprehensive and fully funded implementation plan would be unacceptable,” said Pat King.  

“Teachers want their students to receive an education that is relevant and meaningful and which equips them for life. Teachers’ experience in schools and classrooms means they are well placed to contribute to the debate on how best to reform education. We welcome today’s announcement in so far as it addresses a very real concern expressed by teachers. We now ask that the Minister, in examining the NCCA proposals for Junior Cert reform, gives due consideration to the other significant concerns of teachers as identified by the ASTI,” concluded Pat King.

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