CLOSING OF SCHOOLS MUST STOP
PRESS STATEMENTThe National Student Executive (NSE) of the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union (ISSU) regretfully confirms again that second-level schools will be closed today (January 22nd) due to industrial action by the ASTI and TUI. This is the second day of industrial action to be taken in relation to the proposed Junior Certificate Reforms (JCSA) and with mock examinations due to take place shortly nationwide, this action will undoubtedly have an affect on students and their studies.Speaking this morning, Joanna Siewierska ISSU Education Officer, said;“I respect the teacher unions and their concerns in relation to the Junior Certificate reforms. However, as a Leaving Certificate student I am only ten days away from sitting my mock exams. This second day of strike action is disrupting mine and my fellow students’ education at a very crucial and important point in time. It is adding unnecessary confusion to the JCSA discussion and it is equally unfair to all students in second-level school. The closing of secondary schools needs to stop. Again, we respectfully ask teachers to return to talks with the Minister for Education and Skills”.Craig McHugh, ISSU President, added;"I am extremely disappointed that the striking teacher unions have failed to reach consensus on these reforms and that a second day of strike action is taking place. The JCSA reforms are focused on building a more relevant, fair, engaging and progressive second-level education system. Focus needs to return to the Junior Certificate Reform in its entirety and conversations need to happen between the relevant education stakeholders. Our education is being affected by this. This is not fair on students".***ENDS***Notes to editor:The Irish Second-Level Students’ Union has engaged with Junior Cycle reform discussions and consultations since 2011, and our stance on supporting this reform has been mandated by three annual assemblies, our internal advisory panels and nationwide student focus groups.Contact ISSU Main Office 01 443 4461 / communications@issu.ie
Students Locked Out
PRESS STATEMENT
The National Student Executive of the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union (ISSU) regretfully confirms that second-level schools will close tomorrow (December 2nd) due to industrial action by the ASTI and TUI.The ISSU is very supportive of the proposed reforms to the Junior Cycle, and believes that this is in the best interest of the students.Speaking this evening, Craig Mc Hugh (President) said:“Teachers are using students as pawns in this industrial dispute, whilst students and their parents are ultimately powerless to the system. The new JCSA is good for students, and we want Teachers to re-enter talks with the Minister to ensure this does not escalate any further.Taking students away from their timetabled classes is creating a barrier for students as they prepare for their Junior and Leaving Certificate exams this upcoming summer. Furthermore, disruption on this scale impacts on all students as they prepare for Christmas exams. This strike is not conducive to progressive reform and meaningful discussions with the Department of Education and Skills.” ***ENDS***Notes to editor:The Irish Second-Level Students’ Union has engaged with Junior Cycle reform discussions and consultations since 2011, and our stance on supporting this reform has been mandated by three annual assemblies, our internal advisory panels and nationwide student focus groups.
New Junior Cycle Puts Students at its Heart
ISSU welcomes details of Junior Cycle reform
The Irish Second-level Students’ Union (ISSU) warmly welcomes the details of Junior Cycle Reform which Minister Ruairi Quinn has announced today. The changes which have been announced today will put the student at the centre of their own education, and go a long way to ensuring that learning outcomes rather than exam performance are the main focus of junior cycle education in Ireland for years to come. The presence of English, Irish, Maths and Science as standardised tests will ensure that at it's core, the new Junior Cycle will preserve academic integrity, and it provides a clear statement on the importance of science in addition to the traditional core subjects of English, Irish and Maths. ISSU Education Officer, Brendan Power said: “The new Junior Cycle has the capacity to revolutionise the educational experience of future second-level students in Ireland. I firmly believe that the new Junior Cycle will result in a more practical and functional education for students and prepare them for life and future education, rather than train them for exams”.