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The demand for education is growing - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 3(a) - 2018
Question 3(a)
The demand for education is growing. Adults with higher educational attainment have better economic outcomes. (i) Name and describe two programmes provided in seco... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The demand for education is growing - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 3(a) - 2018
Step 1
Name and describe two programmes provided in second level education. Refer to: curriculum offered, assessment / examination system.
Answer
Programme 1: Junior Certificate
The Junior Certificate is a foundational education programme designed for students typically aged 12 to 15. It encompasses a broad curriculum across various subjects, which allows for subject differentiation tailored to student capacities.
Curriculum Offered: Subjects include core components such as English, Mathematics, and Science, alongside optional subjects. It aims to develop key skills in literacy, numeracy, and social understanding.
Assessment System: Assessment comprises terminal written exams, practical assessments, and project work. Continuous Classroom-Based Assessments (CBA) evaluate students on various criteria including student participation and artistic performance. Students complete various tasks throughout the year, ensuring a well-rounded assessment of their capabilities.
Programme 2: Leaving Certificate
The Leaving Certificate programme is a two-year course typically taken by students aged 16 to 18, culminating in state examinations.
Curriculum Offered: Students study a minimum of five subjects, including a foreign language and mathematics. There is differentiation between higher and ordinary levels for each subject, allowing students to choose based on their strengths and prior knowledge.
Assessment System: Assessments are conducted through a combination of written examinations and project work, with a significant portion of marks allocated to external exams. For some courses, continuous assessment may also play a role.
Step 2
Analyse the factors that influence educational achievement.
Answer
Factors Influencing Educational Achievement
- Intelligence / Individual Ability: An inherent factor that significantly impacts a student's capacity to grasp academic material and perform in assessments.
- Home Environment: The socio-economic status and educational background of a student's family can play a crucial role, as supportive home environments can enhance academic success.
- School Environment: The quality of the school and its resources, including teaching quality and peer support, can affect learning outcomes.
- Peer Group Influence: Positive peer interactions can encourage student engagement, while negative influences can hinder performance.
- Support Systems: Availability of support for special needs or tutoring can substantially influence educational achievement.
Step 3
Evaluate equality of opportunity in second level education with reference to students at risk of disadvantage and social exclusion.
Answer
Equality of Opportunity in Education
Delivering equality of opportunity in second level education involves addressing barriers faced by disadvantaged students. Key initiatives include:
- DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) Programme: This initiative provides targeted support to schools in disadvantaged areas, offering resources and mentorship to enhance educational outcomes.
- Learning Supports: Tailored support like after-school programs aims to assist students from lower socio-economic backgrounds, offering remediation in subjects where they may struggle.
- Access to Resources: Ensuring that disadvantaged students have equal access to educational resources such as textbooks, technology, and extracurricular activities is essential for leveling the playing field.
- Targeted Programs: Programs aimed at students from marginalized backgrounds, including specific pathways in schools for children with special educational needs and initiatives focused on integrating students facing social exclusion, play a vital role in promoting educational equality.