New proposals aimed at solving the junior cert dispute will see exams split in two.

According to the Irish Independent, the confidential document will be put to teaching unions today.

Education Minister Jan O'Sullivan has so far been pushing for students to be graded with a State exam worth 60 percent and 40 percent from ongoing assessment in school.

Mediator Dr Pauric Travers is backing proposals for two school-based assessments - one in second year and another in third year - with results being initially reported by schools.

Ivan and Chris discussed the new proposals this morning and claimed that nothing really has changed for the students: "It will probably suit the teachers.

"The big losers in this are the students because they end up with, instead of a combined integrated junior cert which combines assessment and a written exam, you're just going to have one certified exam which is no change.

"What's the point of the assessment?

"Really, what you have is an unadulterated mess."