A "fundamental reappraisal" of the Leaving Certificate is urgently required as the exam needs to keep pace with modern needs, according to the group which advises the Minister for Education on policy.
In a confidential report, seen by The Irish Times, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) also suggests that students should receive some recognition at Leaving Cert for achievements in extracurricular activities such as sport, drama or charity work.
The draft report suggests a new system where students would receive recognised certificates to acknowledge these achievements as part of their overall Leaving Cert. It outlines possible options for reform including:
Combining the "best features" of the mainstream Leaving Certificate and the more work-based Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP).
A new three-year senior cycle combining the best features of the existing Leaving Cert with transition year and elements of the LCVP.
The NCCA is made up of all the education partners, including the teaching unions, management bodies and parent groups. The tone of its report is non-confrontational, but it is clear some members of the council are impatient with the lack of reform.
The draft report, Developing Senior Cycle Education: Issues and Options, says many criticisms made by the OECD and the 1999 Points Commission report on the Leaving Cert still apply.
For example, there is an "over-academic emphasis in many subjects", inadequate difference between higher and lower-level papers and a limited range of test procedures.
"In short, the lack of momentum in implementation of substantial Leaving Certificate review and reform is becoming critical," says the report.
It also says: "While few would question the towering presence the Leaving Cert represents, many would wish to recognise the achievements of students in non-examination subjects, and in co-curricular and extracurricular activities . . . The range of achievements certificated is narrow, and perhaps consideration should be given to broadening the basis of certification."
In a recent Dail reply the Minister, Dr Michael Woods, said he would wait for the NCCA report before embarking on reform of the Leaving Cert exam. It will be published shortly.
The draft report also points the way towards the introduction of practicals for science subjects at Leaving Cert level and the use of project work in subjects like history and geography.
It adds that there have been major developments in education in the last decade, including greater use of information technology and the mixing of work and academically based programmes.