The national survey was carried out prior to the Budget at the request of Fine Gael Seanad education spokesperson Fidelma Healy Eames. It targeted Fine Gael TDs, Senators and Councillors across the country.

Ironically, the key areas recommended for investment by the 115 respondents were the very ones that were severely hit by budgetary cuts, Senator Healy Eames said.

“The findings of this survey... revealed that an astounding 82% of those questioned believe that, for our secondary schools to function effectively, a radical revision of the system is needed. Furthermore, the areas cited as being in need of reform are precisely those which have been targeted by the Government in Budget ’09.

“While 64% said they were satisfied with the education system in Ireland (a reflection of the confidence in the performance of our teachers), an overwhelming majority felt that our second level school system was being left behind due to a serious lack of investment,” Ms Healy Eames said.

Most common issues
The most common second level issues being brought to the attention of Fine Gael public representatives were:

• the pupil-teacher ratio (37%);
• the funding of school buildings (23%);
• the need for extra support systems to be put in place with regard to psychological assessment and speech and language therapy (15%).

Curriculum reform
The survey findings highlighted the urgent need for curriculum reform at second-level (45%) in the form of:

• Broader subject options being made available to suit the needs, interests and strengths of pupils;
• A more practical and less academic emphasis in the curriculum;
• Flexible teaching and learning approaches to suit students’ learning styles and levels of intelligence;
• Reduced pupil-teacher ratio and increased teacher attention for pupils with special needs;
• Improved Career Guidance to be provided around subject choice, apprenticeship and third level options, with guidance being offered from first year;
• Committed funding identified for repairs to school buildings.

Under-achievers
When asked about the 1 in 6 second-level students who drop out pre-Leaving Certificate, a further 82% of public representatives felt a different model of education was needed to accommodate these students, to ensure their continuation in the system.

“As a former teacher and lecturer in teacher education, it is my view that second-level education in Ireland represents the widest range of challenges, and is the least capable of flexibility due to its exam-driven nature,” Ms Healy Eames said.

”Public representatives are a sound barometer of the public’s mood, as their feedback is informed by representations made by the general public and concerned parents and teachers," she added. 

“Investment in education is an essential part of ensuring the growth and development of our nation. Our approach must be pupil needs-based and quality driven instead of resource-driven, as has been the case for years." Senator Healy Eames concluded. (Source: FG)