Sir, – It is with great disappointment that I read the proposals for new Leaving Certificate science syllabi and assessment methods as part of continued reform (“Leaving Cert students to complete science ‘research investigations’ worth 40% under new reforms”, December 13th).
The proposal is that 40 per cent of the final Leaving Certificate grade will be attributed to a research investigation in physics, chemistry and biology. Minister for Education Norma Foley acknowledged earlier in the year significant challenges concerning the authenticity of continuous assessment work as a result of artificial intelligence.
The review of the syllabi in these three subjects is long overdue, as they have not been adjusted in more than 25 years, with several drafts and consultation processes falling by the wayside during this time.
One such draft suggested that students would do a practical assessment, which I believe would at least be a true reflection of the ability of the student, rather than the ability of the parent that is helping with the continuous assessment work, or indeed the friend, or the teacher or the computer, for that matter.
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The Irish Science Teachers Association have long been campaigning for adequate laboratory resources and laboratory technicians to assist with the teaching of these subjects.
If these resources were in place a science practical exam would be a much fairer assessment method.
However, these resources are not in place and this appears to be a proposed review and modernisation for the sake of it.
The other factor that should be borne in mind is student stress. Many students choose all three science subjects and now face the daunting prospect of three large projects in sixth year on top of their other subject commitments, in what is already a busy and stressful year.
Which is better for our students, continuous high-level stress and rolling important deadlines or a stressful terminal exam that is fair? – Yours, etc,
RICHARD FOX,
Kilcoole,
Co Wicklow.