Rescheduling the orals and practical exams in Irish secondary schools would save c€2 million in substitution fees, keep teachers employed, and protect the 18:1 pupil teacher ratio.
This is according to Fine Gael senator Fidelma Healy Eames, who is calling for the orals and practicals to be conducted during holiday time at the end of the fifth year.
Sen Healy Eames believes her proposal would allow for greater concentration on language study and the carrying out of tasks for practicals as it would happen “at a time when students aren’t under stress with the main Leaving Cert coming up”.
She also feels it would save money that could be used to keep teachers employed and protect the pupil teacher ratio.
“Increasing the pupil teacher ratio will reduce teachers available,” she said. “We already have one in every six students not completing their Leaving Cert nationally. If increased pupil teacher ratios go ahead we will have more student dropouts and more under-achievement at second level.”
