Teachers to stage lunchtime protest over planned senior cycle changes
More than 30,000 second-level teachers will protest outside their schools at lunchtime today (Tuesday, November 19th) over changes to the Senior Cycle which they believe risk undermining both educational standards and fairness for Leaving Certificate students. The protests are being jointly organised by the Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland (ASTI) and the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI).
Teachers’ concerns include a lack of adequate facilities and resources for schools, which will lead to inequities when revised Leaving Cert subjects are introduced from September 2025. Teachers are calling for a delay in the implementation of the Senior Cycle redevelopment programme so that these serious issues can be addressed.
Service to students will not be affected by the protest, which is taking place outside all schools/centres where Senior Cycle is delivered.
Union leaders say teachers are not opposed to the redevelopment of the Senior Cycle. However, they say for successful implementation, it is crucial that:
Sufficient resources are provided to ensure a smooth and effective roll-out. Such resources must be allocated equitably across all schools/centres
Any changes to subjects/specifications are not rushed through, are of educational benefit to our students and are based on the professional views of those practitioners tasked with delivery
Comprehensive and fully informed in-service training is provided to all teachers well in advance of implementation
Speaking today, TUI President David Waters said:
"Today, we are highlighting our serious concerns about the rapid nature of Senior Cycle redevelopment and the significant negative educational impact that may ensue for tens of thousands of students.
"Teachers are not opposed to the redevelopment of the Senior Cycle. However, to be successful, it must be educationally sound and the appropriate resources must be made available.
"There is far too much at stake for this not to be done properly."
Speaking today, ASTI President Donal Cremin said:
"We are committed to curriculum change that promotes equity in education, responds to changes in wider society and protects education standards.’
"The decision to accelerate the redevelopment process has led to huge concerns amongst teachers about hastily-developed curriculum and a failure to put in the resources students and teachers require prior to implementation.’
"Change of such significance cannot be rushed into an already overburdened system."
The unions are not calling for the postponement of the new pilot subjects Drama, Film, and Theatre Studies and Climate Action and Sustainable Development which are being rolled out from next September.