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WHAT SHOULD BE done about the Leaving Certificate this year?
Students who have been preparing for two years for the senior State examination are confused over what to study, what to prioritise, and how to strategise for an exam that will be dramatically different from previous years.
Although a date has been provisionally chosen for the Leaving Cert to take place, sixth year students may be justifiably wary after plans were made for the Junior Cert, and then changed when schools and parents objected.
Now, the Children’s Ombudsman Dr Niall Muldoon is saying he has received a “large number of complaints made by parents and students” about the Leaving Cert over the past few weeks.
One teacher told TheJournal.ie that the problem is, no matter what arrangements are made, it will suit some students and not suit others, such is the difficulty of the situation.
Nonetheless, a decision needs to be made and made soon. So here are the options and the snags involved with each.
Niamh Prendergast / Twitter
Niamh Prendergast / Twitter / Twitter
The Leaving Cert goes ahead on 29 July
Education Minister Joe McHugh first gave this date for the Leaving Cert on an Instagram Live chat with SpunOut, where he directly answered students’ questions for an hour.
At that point, he said himself that the details of the Leaving Cert, including whether it would be held on 29 July, would be confirmed during the first week in June.
There is a lot left to still be decided – although schools themselves are to organise how to socially distance students and desks , the Department of Education still has decisions to make.
Speaking to TheJournal.ie previously, student Molly Gordon Boles said: “We don’t have a timetable, we don’t know how the structure of it will work, we don’t know how it will work sitting the exam,” she said.
For example, what will happen with practical exams? There are hours of work left to do in the practical exams for Art, Ag Science, Construction, and Engineering.
Awarding these subjects full marks isn’t as simple as it was for the oral exams and music practical: in the case of the Art exam, the practical project and life drawing account for 62.5% of the overall grade.
The issue of slow broadband hindering some students in keeping up with lessons and accessing information was also raised, as being particularly unfair to students from rural areas or who don’t have a spare laptop or computer at home.
There’s also the issue of the written exams themselves: one teacher who spoke to TheJournal.ie suggested that there had been talk of reducing the written elements, to reflect the difficulty in studying during a pandemic.
Predictive grading
This would be a way of marking students based on their performance to date, through a mix of written and practical work, and could happen in a number of ways.
One suggested method would be to use the results of the Mock exams, which are held around Christmas time and involve a set of sample papers to give students an idea of what to expect from the State exams.
The problem with Mock exams, as was raised repeatedly on Liveline yesterday, is that students can sometimes access them ahead of time because schools don’t hold them in the same week.
The other issue is that not all schools hold Mock exams, and some students don’t perform fully in the preparatory exams but do in the final State exams in June.
Minister Joe McHugh said on the SpunOut interview that he didn’t believe that would be a fair system, because the way the exams are corrected could vary wildly from teacher to teacher and from school to school.
The result of the Leaving Cert is often linked to entry exams for a number of third-level education placements and other courses, so that’s a further consideration in any rescheduling of exams.
Yesterday, discussions at the Department of Education included “alternative assessment models” for the Leaving Cert.
ISSU survey
In a survey by the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union (ISSU) on four days from 1-5 May, 79% of almost 24,000 students said they were in favour of the exams being cancelled in favour of predicted grading.
Just 15% of students were in favour of the current proposal of starting exams on 29 July.
Despite the support for this option on ISSU notes the concerns of these students regarding predicted grades. It is clear that the predicted grading model needs to be developed, but it must ensure fairness and equity.
Ciara Fanning, president of the ISSU said: “This survey reinforces our mandate for clarification now – particularly as an increasing number of students are now in favour of cancellation and a thoughtful process established to ensure fairness and equity to all.”
In April, the National Parents Council Post Primary surveyed more than 30,000 parents and asked them “Are you happy with the Department of Education and Skills decision to defer the Leaving Certificate State Exams to July/August of 2020?”
71% said no, and 28% said yes.
Holding the exams later
There is some leeway for the exams to be held later, but not a lot. The exams are stretched out over a number of weeks, meaning this year’s exams should finish before the end of August (though a timetable is still to be published).
If it creeps any further into the autumn, things get trickier as it has to be carried out before third-level courses begin, and with enough time for the exams to be corrected. They will also need to be carried out before the other secondary-school years return to school – if social distancing measures are to be complied with.
There have also been concerns that there will be a second “wave” of Covid-19 in the autumn, so, depending on when the Leaving Cert would be pushed back to, it could be cancelled or postponed again if there’s a surge in cases.
“I believe the government cannot continue to adopt this wait and see approach with the Leaving Cert. It is becoming clearer with every week that passes that it is simply not tenable for it to proceed,” Fianna Fáil’s education spokesperson Thomas Byrne said.
The Children’s Ombudsman Dr Niall Muldoon met Minister Joe McHugh yesterday to discuss concerns raised by parents and children, which related to mental health, special education needs, digital discrimination, and inequity in the provision of continuity of learning.
Muldoon also said that “on a purely human level there are 61,000 children who are deprived of all the positive elements of finishing school, the comradery, the sports days, fun days and general acknowledgement that they have moved from a child to an adult over a six year period”.
This is a crucial rite of passage for so many and it is the closeness of friends and the support of teachers and other school staff which makes the chore of studying worthwhile – but that has been taken away from this cohort of children and it will always hurt, no matter what results they get in the exams.
“I really hope that clarity can be provided to children, their parents and teachers as soon as possible to avoid further anxiety amongst an already vulnerable group of people.”
The Taoiseach acknowledged the stress Leaving Cert students are under, and told the Dáil today: “I fully appreciate the distress and the uncertainty which sixth year students are under.
“I still get nightmares about my Leaving Certificate maths paper, I know how traumatic the Leaving Certificate can be for many people. We will try to bring a conclusion to this matter this week as best we can,” Leo Varadkar said.
The ASTI and TUI issued this short statement today:
“The Executive Committees of the ASTI and TUI met separately last night (Wednesday).
“The unions will continue to engage through the advisory group of stakeholders in relation to contingency arrangements for the State Examinations and will not be commenting further at this point.
“Teachers continue to support their students in these difficult and extraordinary times.”
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Terrible news
@Donnacha Bhoicaire:
Indeed it is.
She was a lovely lady to chat to and a true broadcasting legend with a wonderful voice.
May She rest in peace and my condolences to those left behind to grieve her loss.
Rest in Peace.
Omg! Shocked reading this. May she rest in peace and condolences to her husband and children.
thats a very sad loss – thoughts are with the family and friends this time of year – please be respectful in the comments section and save your venting for whining about all thats wrong with RTE for another more appropriate time
@Dave Hammond: You’re the only one venting here.
@Dave Hammond: Well said.
@Dave Hammond:
Dope
She was the sound that filled our kitchen and kept us company every Saturday and Sunday. May she rest in peace.
Same age as my dad when he passed, as the years pass I realise more and more it’s young age
@RJ: so do I, I’m not far behind her…will be very much missed on the airwaves and of course by her husband, son and her wider family and friends…will miss that gravelly voice on the radio at the weekend.
Rest in Peace. Another iconic broadcaster down
@Pete Blake: Yep, she was a true legend, absolutely shocking news. RIP Marian
What a beautiful natural presenter may she rest in peace
RIP
So sad, a true professional
Rest in Peace
Very sad to hear! A fantastic broadcaster, an amazing advocate for women’s rights and an all round lovely lady..rest in peace.
Shocked
So sad to hear this. I’ve been listening her on radio since I was knee high to a grasshopper and it always felt good to hear her raspy voice, kinda like a connection to my childhood. Condolences to her family, friends and colleagues. May she rest in peace.
Sad news indeed..
Another RTE legend gone too soon. RIP Marian.
@Sue Kelly: who was the other?
@G.M Lockjoy: Gay Byrne
@G.M Lockjoy: Gerry Ryan
i loved listening to pod casts of her wonderful voice and wonderful mellow tones. she had such wonderful diction and a very natural flow in speaking,, i have lots of her shows downloaded to my ipod,, ! Thank you Marian , for the huge privilege of listening to a great broadcaster! May your wonderful spirit rest in peace,Philomena, Cork City
Oh my god, R.I.P
So sorry to hear that , did love her show
Dreadful news. Feel like I have lost a pal. Condolences to her husband and son
Shocking news RIP
May she rest in peace. I used to listen to her with my mam on the radio.
A giant of radio. And an absolute lady. This is terrible news. RIP.
That’s awful , she’s the same age as me , always liked her .R.I P.
May Marian be at rest
A very fine broadcaster. RIP.
Very sad news. Will never forget her interview with Nuala O Faolain. One of the most touching interviews I’ve ever heard. The utter devastation of knowing her time was immediately finite. Two great minds gone. RIP.
Actually kinda shocked as she was still broadcaating on radio & seemed in good health.. R.I.P
Very sad, may she rest in peace.
A true radio voice… and a great voice for women
R I P Condolences to her family
Will be so sadly missed. One of Ireland’s GREATS. RIP.
The saddest news, condolences to the family. Sunday won’t be the same without Marian
Heartbroken loved to livsen her since iam a kid and still was listening to her here in Germany every Saturday and sunday RIP Marian
RIP
Trail blazer who was the first to develop phone in radio back in the early 80s which is now the main stay of all radio stations. RIP .
A brilliant woman will be greatly missed RIP
How sad…rest in peace
So sad…she was great…R.I.P
I can’t take anymore death, absolutely shocking, loved Marian
Very sad. I’ll miss hearing her voice every weekend.
She wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea but I did listen if driving on weekends. RIP
So Sad to about this lovely lady,
always very encouraging when one is interviewed , to get the story out . Will miss to hear your voice on Radio.
RIP Marion
I’m in shock – loved and respected her. Listening to her 2 shows/Saturday and Sunday- Those mornings are going to be v dull. RIP Marian
R.I.P
RIP shocking news
OMG I cannot believe this sad news. May you rest in peace Marian… weekends won’t be the same without your cheerful greeting on the radio at 11am
You will be missed, many’s a Saturday and Sunday morning you kept me company, I might not always have agreed with you but one thing’s for sure you’ve been a constant in many Irish homes for many years!…
She was like the mother of the nation. I hope RTE keep her show podcasts online forever as I’m going to listen back to them one by one, especially Saturdays as most items won’t date. The nation has lost a friend and a colossus of broadcasting. RIP Marian Finucane, you will be sorely missed.
Very sad..RIP.. loved listening to her show on Radio 1.
Terrible news my condolences to John and jack happy memories from the Delvin days
R. I. P. Marian
That’s so sad,
Rest in peace Marian.
Very sad news God be good to her safe in the arms of angels R.I.P Marian
Wow, so sorry for her families loss.
So sad. Another great talent has passed away RIP.
I didn’t know Marian Finucane personally but still feel a sense of shock at the suddenness of this. An unexpected death like this reminds us all of our own mortality. At dheis Dé go raibh a hainm dilís.
Beautiful person,warm and wonderful,very sad news.RIP
Sincere condolences to her family and friends.
RIP i enjoyed her broadcasting opinions and interviews. Very skilled, patient and considerate in interviews.
Very sorry to hear this sad news. She was a great voice of irish life and will be greatly missed. RIP
Marian Finucane R.I.P.
She seemed to have a lovely way with people and got the answers without adapting the “butting in” style used by so many others on RTE. Very sad news
RIP Marian. Condolences to her family. On a personal note I’m really going to miss her on a Sunday morning.
Just can’t believe this sad news thinking of you John and Jack R. I. P. Marian gone are the good old days in Delvin always remembered Sinead Kay Reid
Loved listening to her on podcasts. Her voice and calmness will be sorely missed. A true professional. Gutted to read this. RIP
Very sad a consummate journalist
The queen of liveline rip
Long time listener to her podcasted weekend shows, very sad to hear of her passing, I had a feeling all was not well as I had not heard her voice the past couple of months, RIP Marian, you’ll be missed on the airways.
Shocked and saddened. She was only one of few in RTE who looked out for the other side of an issue….truly greatly missed.
I always liked her, had a good sense of humour and a great technique with politicians. RIP
Absolutely shocking news, she was one of the very best on the airwaves. RIP and condolences to all her poor family
R.I.P. Marian. You will be sorely missed.
Such sad news ,An excellent Journalist and lovely person , RIP ..Will be sadly missed .
What a huge loss, loved listening to her, her voice, her humour on the radio and the way she interviewed people, like listening to a friend talking. Sympathy to Marian’s husband, son and family.
Shocked reading this…may she rest in peace
Another great personality leaves our mortal shores. RIP
Really devastated by this she’ll be greatly missed on Saturday and Sunday on radio. Rip Marion
So sad to hear this. I’m have been an avid fan of Marians since her Liveline days. Always the voice of reason, always compassionate and always so well read on any given topic. Another great broadcaster lost with so few, if any, left to carry on the mantle. RIP.
Awaaa,may she rest in peace ..
R.I.P.
Terrible news she has been a constant and comforting voice throughout my life. My condolences to her family, a huge loss to the country.
Rest in Peace
Shocked she was a real friend to the end for those that she liked thoughts with her family rest in peace .
Rip but alot of other loved family members have died also today ,just a thought
Grew up listening to her or watching her on tv. What a sad loss. Condolences to her family.
So glad no negative rte comments neither the time nor the place RIP
@Colm Curran: give it time. There’s always one.
Any updates on what happened?
@thomas patrick: she died patrick
Sudden loss .Very difficult on her family
Im so sad..great broadcaster
What was the result of her libel case against Independent newspapers on the issue of her inside information on the Mespil apartments controversy in 1993?? A long time ago but somebody has to remind……
@mot leave: why does somebody have to remind…?
It was 27 years ago!! She can’t do much about it now, can she?
Id iot!!
Chin, (or should I say Jaws)
Looking at your comments over the years, and indeed your comment above, you’d know an Id iot
She’d been working with RTE since 1974, started as a continuity announcer then, 45 years.
Shocking sad news
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