There has been a broad welcome to plans to make the Leaving Certificate less predictable. Education Minister Ruairi Quinn announced the proposals which will reduce the amount of information a student learns off by heart.

It is hoped that the plan will be in place for students who will sit their Leaving Cert in 2016.

The areas being addressed were outlined in a paper published today. It contains 3 key commitments to:

• Reduce the number of level 8 degree programmes in higher education and make them more broadly-based
• Reduce the number of grading bands (A1, A2, B1, B2 etc)
• Address problematic predictability in the Leaving Certificate exams

Minister Quinn said "There is still more work to do before final conclusions are reached on the issues in this report. I expect to see a full implementation plan before the end of the year, with clear plans for phased implementation beginning for students entering the fifth year in 2014". "Major changes will not occur without due notice being given to schools, parents and students" he added.

'Undesirable learning behaviours'

The Department says predictability in exams can lead to 'undesirable teaching and learning' behaviours such as "teaching to the test" instead of in-depth learning and critical thinking.

The State Examination Commission (SEC) has examined the issue and commissioned an external evaluation to see if 'problematic predictability' is occurring in the Leaving Cert.

The Department adds that "a commitment to address problematic predictability that may be uncovered in any subject has now been made". It says the process will be carefully managed by the SEC to ensure fairness to candidates.

Minister Quinn will host a conference in late June to discuss the issues.

John McKennedy is Principal of St. Colmcilles Community School in Knocklyon in Dublin. he says the changes are needed.