Updates on reopening of schools and changes to 2021 state examinations

Minister for Education Norma Foley TD today provided a further update regarding the plans to fully re-open schools. 

With some schools beginning to re-open next week, the Minister acknowledged the enormous work being undertaken in school communities and the commitment of everyone involved in providing a safe environment for the return of children to our schools. 

Minister Foley said: “I am heartened by the response of the education sector to the challenge that the Covid-19 pandemic has presented. Principals, school management and staff right around the country have been committed to this re-opening process from the start and we will now see some of our schools begin to return next week. 

The Minister has also provided an update for incoming third year and sixth year students who will be taking state examinations in summer 2021. 

The documentation being published today sets out the adjusted assessment arrangements for these post-primary students. These arrangements are designed to take account of the disrupted learning experienced by these students during the 2019/20 school year. 

As schools have significant autonomy in determining how to sequence and pace learning for students in their schools, no centrally prescribed adjustment of the curriculum and courses of study would be effective for students taking the certificate examinations in summer 2021.