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Junior Cert Exams. Pictured is a student from Trinity Comprehensive School in Ballymun. Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland
The Daily PollPoll: Should exams matter less in the Junior Certificate?
Many Junior Cert exams are likely to be replaced with portfolio-based assessments under new proposals currently being considered. What do you think – should exams matter less in the Junior Certificate?
MANY JUNIOR CERTIFICATE exams are likely to be replaced with portfolio-based assessments under new proposals being considered by the education minister Ruairí Quinn.
A new portfolio-based system that would focus on the completion of a piece of coursework, rather than repeated class tests, was “certainly on the cards”, a spokesperson for the Department of Education has confirmed to TheJournal.ie. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment has suggested that the reforms would put greater emphasis on learning – rather than simply preparing for an exam.
As yet, however, the proportion of marks that would be allocated to exams and to coursework has not been decided upon. Some reports indicate that the a 50-50 split between exams and coursework, or a 60-40 split in favour of exams, are being considered.
What do you think – should exams matter less in the Junior Certificate?
Poll Results:
Yes, marks should be split 50/50 between exams and coursework (407)
Yes, but more than half of marks should be allocated for coursework (258)
No, the marking system is fine as it is (89)
No, there should be greater emphasis on exams (76)
have your say