The new syllabus will have a heavier focus on project work and practical learning rather than a final State exam. Only Maths, Irish and English will maintain their status as core subjects, while a number of short courses such as computer coding, Mandarin and animal care will be introduced. Students will be given the opportunity to have extra-curricular activities count towards their final grade.

Standardised tests will still be set by the State Examinations Commission (SEC) for English, Irish, Maths and Science, although the SEC will only correct the exams for the first few years. After that, responsibility for assessment and correction will be the responsibility of the schools themselves.

Although many have welcomed the 'much needed' changes and the shift away from a model based entirely on final exams, the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland says the training and resources on offer are not sufficient. It has also raised concerns that under the new system, the first formal State secondary students will face will be the Leaving Cert.

The implementation of the changes has been further complicated by the ongoing ASTI industrial dispute. The group has said its members are being forced to carry out jobs outside of the terms of the public pay deal. Members are not taking part in training for the new Junior Cert until their concerns are addressed.

General Secretary Pat King told Newstalk's Breakfast says the new system changes the role of teachers significantly:

The Teachers' Union of Ireland have also expressed concerns about the ability to implement the changes. Their website states that while the changes were welcomed by some teachers, others are "articulating serious concerns about capacity to implement change of the magnitude proposed at system and school level, especially in this time of austerity. The proposals pose many possibilities and risks for TUI members and will almost certainly bring about significant changes to work practices for teachers and principal teachers."

Do you think secondary teachers should be required to train for the new cycle during the summer break? Are the groups overstating the challenges of the new system or do you feel their concerns are well founded? Should the changes be postponed? Vote in our poll and leave your comments below.