Leaving Cert students face may face single English exam
Major changes to the Leaving Cert may require students to sit a single written English exam – down from two at present – and complete a project worth 40 per cent at the end of fifth year.
The new plans, under discussion by policymakers, are aimed at easing stress facing students in the traditional high-stakes Leaving Cert written exams.
If approved, the changes would come into force for students entering fifth year in September 2026.
General Election 2024
- Sharp exchanges between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil dominate election debates
- Help with cost of fixing broken dishwashers and bikes under Green pledge
- Meet the Voters: Housing the biggest election concern for DCU students
- Miriam Lord: Fine Gael breaks unspoken ‘don’t frighten the horses’ campaign rule
- Have Your Say: Readers deeply divided on Michael O’Leary’s remarks
News in Ireland
- Horrific crimes of ‘catfish’ Alexander McCartney exposed by bravery of 12-year-old girl: The horrific online crimes of Co Armagh ‘catfish’ killer Alexander McCartney would never have been exposed if it wasn’t for the bravery of a 12-year-old girl, according to the detective leading the case.
- Supreme Court to rule on ‘systemically important’ carer’s allowance case: The Supreme Court will rule today on a significant appeal over the refusal of the maximum carer’s allowance to a mother caring full-time at home for her profoundly disabled son.
- Councillors say Dublin revitalisation plan hinges on €1bn funding: Dublin city councillors have warned the success of the Dublin City Taskforce recommendations will depend on the Government making a formal commitment to a €1 billion primary investment, with ongoing costs in the region of €150 million per year.
- ‘Everybody here is a comedian’: Robbie Williams is ‘buzzing’ to perform at Croke Park as dynamic pricing ruled out: Robbie Williams has hailed Irish audiences as “unique”, saying he is “buzzing” to perform at Croke Park in Dublin next year while denying that he intends to compete with the Oasis reunion.
- Weather forecast: Overnight mist and fog will gradually clear most areas today leading to a dry day with spells of sunshine. Highest temperatures of 7 to 12 degrees. Tonight will see patches of fog especially across the south midlands. Largely dry with lowest temperatures of 1 to 5 degrees.
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Podcast Highlights
Terry Prone: ‘I couldn’t measure up so I decided to do motherhood my way’
The Big Read
- Here are 33 places to eat in Ireland that readers say are good value: When we asked people for examples of good value across the hospitality sector we were heartened by the volume of responses and positivity that flowed our way. Here is just a sample of what came back.
Opinion
Business
- Vouchers, commuter tickets and bikes: How employers can help their staff save tax: Who doesn’t want to pay less tax on their income? There are a few ways you can go about it. And, thanks to an amendment in last month’s budget, those who get an end-of-year bonus – or one at any time of year – will be able to keep more of it from January of next year.
World
- As Trump returns to power, adversaries fear a wave of revenge: On the night he recaptured the presidency, Donald Trump declared that “it’s time to unite” and “put the divisions of the past four years behind us”.
Hugh Linehan: Bluesky may be in danger of becoming Elon Musk’s black mirror
Fintan O'Toole: We’re heading for the second biggest fiscal disaster in the history of the State
Have your Christmas plans been hit by the Holyhead port closure or rising flight prices?
Buying a new car in 2025? These are the best ways to finance it
New to the Parish: ‘The US has become divisive. I prefer the quality of life here’: Jessica Bonenfant made the transition from New York city to rural Co Cork just under a decade ago. The story of how that came to be begins in an Irish bar – in France.Why not try one of our Crosswords & Puzzles?
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