The current Junior Certificate Examination process is to be phased out over the next eight years
It will be replaced with continuous assessments and a test carried out by individual schools – rather than a State exam
The radical shake-up of the system – announced by the Education Minister Ruairí Quinn this afternoon – was drawn up by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment
Minister Quinn says the introduction of the new junior cycle programme will begin in September 2014
On Friday’s Morning Focus John Cooke spoke with Bernie Ruane of the Teachers’ Union of Ireland and Betty Mc Laughlin, National PRO Institute of Guidance Counsellors to get their reaction to the news
The solid fuel regulations 2012 came into effect on August 31st this year
They build on the principles established in previous regulations and their purpose is to improve the environment, particularly air quality, and to protect human health from the harmful emissions which result from the burning of bituminous or smoky coal
This means that the burning of bituminous coal is prohibited in any dwelling located in the smoky coal ban area (Ennis, Clarecastle and South East Clare – Limerick City environs)
Robert Burns, Executive Engineer with the Environment Section of Clare County Council explained
Ennis Town Councillor and coal seller Frankie Neylon joined John in studio to comment.
In our Morning Focus health slot we speak with Dr Finn from the Ennis Family Medical Centre
Today Fr Finn focussed on the later stages of pregnancy
Check out the Ennis Family Medical Centre on Facebook
Doctor Maire Finn is from the Ennis Family Medical Centre, and will be joining us again next Friday for more medical advice- next week she will be looking at skinconditions so get your queries in to [email protected]
If you have concerns or queries about your own health right now please contact your local GP.
Clare FM’s Maire Moynahan has been speaking with Carol Gleeson of the Burren Connect Project about the agency’s role in conserving and protecting this unique landscape and about its Geopark status
She also detailed a special looped walk in Carran for those interested in talking to the hills.
East Clare Walking Festival taking place today until Sunday
Based in the charming harbour village of Mountshannon, surrounded by magnificent mountains on one side and the majestic Lough Derg on the other, there are walks for all ages and abilities and a special family friendly walk on Sunday
The West Clare Family Resource Centre have been organising events to mark Positive Aging Week- many of which will continue on a weekly basis for the remainder of the year
They provide everything from tea and a chat to training and information as Tina Andreucetti – Project Leader Services & Supports to Older People- explained
Contact the West Clare Family Resource Centre on 9052173
We originally Mr Gay Clare Timmie Murphy from Ballybeg, Ennis in August just after the 30 year old was chosen to represent Clare in the Mr Gay Ireland Competition later this month
This weekend he is organising Mr Ennis- a charity fundraiser taking place on Saturday from 9pm the Grove, Roslevan
With the help of Miss Clare Hazel McMahon from Newmarket on Fergus, Timmie expects it to be a fantastic night
Timmie and Hazel joined John in studio to encourage people to come along on Saturday and raise funds for the HIV treatment at St James’ Hospital, Dublin
If you have a story, comment or query for the Morning Focus team email [email protected]
