Sligo teachers in lunchtime protest over Leaving Certificate cycle changes

The protests, which are taking place nationwide, are being organised by second-level teacher unions the ASTI and the TUI. Teachers are calling for a delay in the implementation of the Senior Cycle redevelopment programme.

Commenting ahead of the protests, ASTI Standing Committee representative Jimmy Staunton, a teacher at Sligo Grammar School said:

"We are committed to curriculum change which promotes equality, enhances students' education and protects education standards. We are very concerned by the decision to accelerate Senior Cycle redevelopment; a process that involves significant change, including changes to the Leaving Cert.

"Teachers are asking that schools are allocated the required resources before the implementation of these significant changes. In addition, the revision of Leaving Cert subjects must not be rushed through, so as to ensure changes are educationally sound and, crucially, that Leaving Cert students can be assured of equity and fairness."

Upwards of 30,000 second-level teachers all over the country will participate in the protests.