Move would save €2M in substitution fees
Keep teachers employed
Protect 18:1 pupil teacher ratio at second level
Rescheduling the oral and practical exams for secondary schools from the sixth year to the end of the fifth year would save the State €2 million and should be actively considered by the Government, according to Fine Gael Seanad Education Spokeswoman Senator Fidelma Healy Eames.
"As an educator I see huge merit in this proposal, which was formulated by myself and a number of teachers at secondary level. This measure would save money that could be used to keep teachers employed and protect the pupil-teacher ratio. This is of critical importance at a time when the Government is inflicting stringent cutbacks across the education sector. "My proposal would also facilitate immersion in the language and practical areas at a time when pupils aren't coping with the stress of their leaving certificate exams. It would also make the oral and practical exams a significant assessment event in line with recommendations from the National Council for Curriculum & Assessment. "According to information I received from a Parliamentary Question submitted to the Department of Education, the cost of employing substitute teachers for during oral and practical exams for voluntary secondary schools and community/comprehensive schools is €1.23 million euro. When you add the cost of providing substitute teachers in VEC schools, the figure comes to at least €2 million euro or higher. "Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe's current plans to increase the pupil-teacher ratio will reduce the actual number of teachers available, and reduce the range of subjects available for study by pupils, as well as the levels at which subjects can be offered. "In real terms, reducing the pupil-teacher ratio will increase educational failure. Ireland's education system already has a situation where one in every six students is not completing their leaving certificate. If Minister O'Keeffe presses ahead with his short-sighted plans to increase pupil-teacher ratios, it will cause more students to drop out of education, and foster yet more under-achievement at second level. It is a hugely retrograde step and undoes so much good work. "In these difficult economic times, and with the current Government still in charge, necessity is the mother of invention. This simple step would make a huge difference to the quality of education on offer, while also protecting temporary teacher posts and enhancing the school experience for pupils." | 
