‘The student or AI?’: Teachers warn of verification issues in new Leaving Cert Assessments
An overwhelming majority of teachers of Leaving Cert subjects with new Additional Assessment Components (AACs) expect difficulties verifying that the work has been completed solely by students, according to a ASTI/ REDC survey (Click here for Survey) published today (March 31st 2026).
Students sitting the Leaving Cert in 2027 will complete an AAC worth at least 40% of their final grade in nine new and revised subjects* as part of the new Senior Cycle Redevelopment Programme. The nature of AACs varies across subjects, but can involve students writing and submitting a report based on a project or research they have undertaken.
Most teachers of AACs believe allocating 20% or less, instead of 40%, to AACs would be more appropriate.
Safety concerns
Teachers of biology, chemistry and physics report that lack of laboratory facilities, lack of space for storage of materials/ equipment/ projects relating to the AACs, and difficulties managing laboratory safety and monitoring experiments during AAC practical investigations are amongst their concerns, the ASTI/ REDC survey has found.
While nine new and revised subjects will be assessed as part of Leaving Cert 2027, over the coming years, all remaining Leaving Cert subjects are being revised and will be implemented in schools. All subjects will have an AAC worth a minimum of 40% of students’ final Leaving Cert grades.
Student stress
When asked what most concerned them about the new AACs, teachers of biology, business, chemistry and physics** rated increased stress for students and increased workload for students as amongst their top concerns.
“Teachers believe the cumulative workload and stress for students completing AACs will have a negative impact on their wellbeing, especially given the lack of clarity surrounding what is acceptable use of AI,” said ASTI President Padraig Curley.
Teacher workload
Out of 1,591 classroom teachers, principals and deputy principals who completed the survey, only 44% said they were satisfied or very satisfied with their current duties and work environment. A high percentage (69%) said they regularly or occasionally consider leaving teaching; 46% said they could see themselves leaving in the future. Teacher workload and stress were the main reasons given.
“The research finds that teachers are facing the challenges of curricular transformation, new assessment demands, and expanding administrative loads without corresponding professional development supports, preparation/ administration time or school resources. Teachers perceive a widening gap between what is expected of them and what is feasible within the realities of timetables, school resources, and the working day.”
Ends
Issued by Gemma Tuffy, Communications Official. Tel: 01/6040172; email: [email protected]
*Nine new/ revised subjects were introduced in second-level schools for fifth year students in September 2026: Ancient Greek; Arabic; Biology; Business; Chemistry; Climate Action and Sustainable Development; Drama, Film and Theatre Studies; Latin; and Physics. These subjects are described as Senior Cycle Redevelopment Tranche 1 Subject Specifications.
**Biology, Business, Chemistry and Physics are the four main Tranche 1 Subject Specifications in the ASTI/ REDC survey.
