New education strategy launches this September

Chartered Accountants Ireland is set to transform professional education with the launch of Project Athena, an ambitious initiative introducing advanced technology and adaptive learning. Ian Browne highlights what to expect

The start of each academic year brings a sense of anticipation for students and the education team, but this year promises to be a very exciting prospect. 

The launch of our programmes this year coincides with the introduction of important new initiatives that are set to enhance the learning journey of students for many years to come. 

Project Athena

Since 2021, the Education Department at Chartered Accountants Ireland has been working to re-imagine the future of education in our profession. Our goal has been to ensure that our students are equipped with the most up-to-date skills and professional training to meet the future needs of business and society. 

We will do this by designing and delivering high-quality, student- and member-centred future-focused education. 

Our roadmap to achieve this – known as Project Athena – is an ambitious, wide-ranging and multi-year plan. It leverages the most advanced education technology and incorporates the latest in online education theory. 

Its remit covers examination, assessment and our learning delivery model while also addressing broader challenges like ensuring our learners maintain their technical knowledge and can evolve their skills throughout their careers. 

We have now reached the first implementation phase and are ready to introduce several key initiatives, some of which will be initially released to our first year (CAP1) students. 
So, what does this mean for you? 

New learning platform

We’re excited to release a new Learning Hub, with an advanced and intuitive learning platform for students on all three programmes this September. 

We’ve partnered with leading international online learning developers Area9 to create a bespoke platform with Chartered Accountants Ireland learners in mind. 

The platform provides a fully integrated experience, connecting all your learning content, textbooks in e-book format, exam-standard question packs and other learning resources – in one aligned pathway, be that for CAP1, CAP2 or FAE. 

The platform is easy to find, bookmark and navigate. It also includes a new Communicator function, making it faster to communicate and connect with lecturers and fellow students.

In the case of e-books, investment in this technology evidences the Institute’s long-term commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and is a mainstay of our sustainability agenda. 

Over time you’ll also see a new technology solution for students to record relevant professional experience (to replace the current CA Diary).

Data-driven

One of the major advantages of our new platform is the insight we will have into the behaviours and experiences of our students. 

We will not only be able to measure engagement metrics but will also have insight into how well our students understand the topics, their level of mastery and where additional supports could be applied over time. 

Adaptive learning

The most exciting development is the introduction of a new model of online learning, adaptive learning, now ready for release. 

Adaptive learning is rapidly becoming recognised as the future of education delivery. It is a data-driven, personalised and participative learning journey with you in the driving seat. High impact and engaging content will be provided at a pace that suits you. 

You choose your level of proficiency at the start and view learning content. This is followed by rounds of questions that assess your recall and understanding at each stage. This combination of content and questions makes our new format a genuinely interactive experience. 

Initially, two subjects will be delivered using adaptive learning technology to first-year students (CAP1) only: Law RoI/NI and Finance.

More information on how to engage with adaptive learning and how to use the functionality will be provided over the coming weeks and in live webinars. 

CAP1 autoscored exams

Another significant change in exams is the introduction of an autoscored-style assessment format. 

Autoscored assessments will use a variety of question types that assess a student’s understanding of the curriculum and will further streamline the online examination process, delivering results much faster. 

Autoscored questions will be worked through in each CAP1 live webinar (please refer to 2024/25 timetables). 

Sample autoscored papers will be available to reference on the Learning Hub early in the academic year. 

This will be initially for all CAP1 students only and the CAP1 exams in May 2025. 

Global leader in professional education

The above initiatives are the first stage of enhancements, with much more to come. 
We are confident that Athena will position Chartered Accountants Ireland as a global leader in professional education.

We hope that all our students find the coming academic year an enjoyable, rewarding time. 

If you have any questions about Project Athena or regarding a specific area mentioned above, please do not hesitate to contact your programme team at cap1/cap2/fae@charteredaccountants.ie

Ian Browne is Director of Education at Chartered Accountants Ireland