Aspects of a reformed Leaving Certificate are to be assessed by the State Examinations Commission due to the potential impact of generative artificial intelligence (AI) on teacher-based assessment, the Education Minister has said.
As part of an announcement of an update programme for Senior Cycle Redevelopment, Norma Foley said: “Over the past two years I have listened to the views of our students, parents, teachers, and other stakeholders.
“I am particularly conscious of the more recent accelerated evolution and growth in generative AI, and I understand there is a need to explore the opportunities afforded by these developments in an educational context, as well as the challenges they might present.
“With that in mind, I have asked the SEC that further research would be commissioned on the potential role and impact of generative artificial intelligence in teacher-based assessment in particular.
“While this work is ongoing, I have decided to progress additional and practical components that will be externally assessed by the SEC.
“I look forward to working collaboratively with our partners across the education sector to achieve our shared vision of excellence and equity, and enriching our students’ experience, in line with Senior Cycle Redevelopment.”
The reforms will also see students having access to nine new and revised subjects in 2025, two years earlier than planned.
These include biology, physics, chemistry and business.
There will also be the introduction of two new subjects – drama, film and theatre studies, and climate action and sustainable development.
There will be a second tranche of revised subjects in 2026 with further tranches to be introduced annually after that.
