Review of the Junior Cycle (lower secondary) English curriculum in Ireland (2019-2020)
Published: 20 February 2021
UGEAN members Louise Hayward and Ernie Spencer undertook this review in collaboration with Bethan Marshall and Simon Gibbons of King’s College, University of London, at the request of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), Ireland.
UGEAN members Louise Hayward and Ernie Spencer undertook this review in collaboration with Bethan Marshall and Simon Gibbons of King’s College, University of London, at the request of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), Ireland.
The review drew on Marshall, B., Gibbons, S., Hayward, E. and Spencer, E. Policy, Belief and Practice in the Secondary English Classroom: A Case-Study Approach from Canada, England and Scotland. London: Bloomsbury to address the following key questions:
- Are aspirations in Ireland consistent with ideas of really good English teaching?
- Are the expectations similar to expectations in other countries?
- Is assessment well aligned with the principles of the English curriculum?
- To what extent is the curriculum appropriate for all learners?
- What major themes emerge from the review and are these consistent and coherent? To what extent are teachers’ perspectives on the curriculum consistent?
- Where are areas of risk and how might these best be mitigated?
- What model of change underpins the programme?
It included detailed examination of policy documentation, of NCCA’s Report of the review of the early enactment of Junior Cycle English, and of examination papers and assessment tasks; and consultation with English teachers at a meeting held by the NCCA.
The report of the review was submitted to NCCA.
First published: 20 February 2021