Minister Foley announces addition of the Irish Second Level Students’ Union to the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment
Published on: 29 April 2022
Minister for Education Norma Foley TD has signed a Statutory Instrument, updating the membership of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) to include the President of the Irish Second Level Students’ Union (ISSU).
Minister Foley said: “I am delighted to include the ISSU on the Council of the NCCA. The important work of the NCCA in the development of curricula will be greatly enhanced by the inclusion of the student voice.
“We have seen in recent years an improvement in the inclusion of student views in education policy making. The ISSU played a hugely important role during the pandemic, for example, in the development of solutions to the challenges facing the education system, in particular at Senior Cycle.
“I am committed to placing the student at the centre of education strategy and policy development and this is a significant step in that ambition.”
Emer Neville, President of the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union said: “I am very pleased that the Minister has today signed this statutory instrument, to include the ISSU as a full member of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. This is a ground-breaking move, recognising the need to have the voice of students at the table, when important decisions are being made about their education and solidifying their role as key stakeholders in education.
“The ISSU welcomes this and we look forward to making a real contribution to the work of the NCCA, reflecting the views of our student members, over the coming years.”
Professor Mary O’Sullivan, interim Chairperson of the NCCA said: “A key principle of the NCCA’s Strategic Plan is to actively promote the right of children and students to have their voices heard and included in shaping the curriculum and assessment advice we develop. I welcome the Minister’s decision to create a Statutory Instrument to add student membership to Council. I look forward to welcoming an ISSU student nominee and I know Council members and I as Chair will be delighted to help facilitate their full engagement with Council business during this significant period of ongoing change to the Irish educational system.”
Emer Neville, President of the ISSU for 2021/22, will be invited to the next meeting of the NCCA on 12 and 13 May.
The NCCA advises the Minister for Education on curriculum and assessment from early childhood to the end of second level education. It engages with learners, teachers, practitioners, parents and others to support innovation in schools and other educational settings. It undertakes, uses and shares research as a basis for advice and debate on education.
