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LAST UPDATE | 10 May 2020
TEACHER AND PRINCIPAL representatives have called it “unacceptable” and “completely inappropriate” for students and parents to be contacting Leaving Cert teachers to lobby them about the calculated grade.
They suggested in interviews with RTÉ, of putting in place a protocol to log these attempts at lobbying, to ensure fairness and objectivity in Plan C for the Leaving Cert this year.
On Friday, it was announced that the Leaving Cert exams on 29 July would be cancelled, and students would instead receive ‘calculated grades’.
These are calculated through teachers giving their students an assessment score, reviewed by other teachers and the principal, which will then be sent to the Department of Education for ‘national standardisation’.
This is where percentages would be compared with previous years, and this Leaving Cert class’ Junior Cert results, to come up with a final ‘calculated grade’.
If students are unhappy with their grade, and unhappy with their appeal, they will have the option of sitting a written exam later in the year, possibly in November.
U-turn on full marks for orals and practicals
Teachers union ASTI has said that it would be advising its members to “engage” with estimating calculated grades for their students, after the Department of Education confirmed that this would be a once-off system to assess students.
The ASTI has also called on the Department of Education to reinstate full marks for the oral examinations, after a u-turn was made on this decision, and has also asked that students be awarded full marks for practical projects.
This call has been rebutted with the point that if students are given full marks for all orals and practicals, because the Department of Education wouldn’t be able to compare this year’s grades with previous years’ results, which is a necessary part of the grading system.
At 11pm on Friday, the other major teachers’ union, the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI), said that it had “decided to engage with the system of Calculated Grades outlined by the Minister”.
The TUI said that although written exams were “the clear preference” for the union, that this had “proved to be not possible”. It added that students “have a right to advance to the next stage of their lives”, and a mechanism was needed to do so.
Concerns from the ASTI
After a meeting of the ASTI executive on Friday and at 6pm yesterday, a statement was released after midnight that advised members to engage with the calculated grades system so that students “can progress to the next stage of their lives”.
The ASTI has a policy of teachers not assessing their students for State exams, as it “ensures the integrity of the State Exams process, the value of which is infinitely superior to any other process”.
But, the ASTI also acknowledges that because of the Covid-19 pandemic, it “recognises that this year it is necessary to engage with this new process”.
The ASTI has secured confirmation from the Department and the Minister that these measures are being implemented on an emergency basis and will not be regarded as a precedent or an agreement to operate this process in future years.
Despite this, the union still has “a number of major concerns” with the process which it is calling on the Minister for Education and Skills to address as a matter of urgency.
These concerns are:
Following yesterday’s meeting, ASTI president Deirdre Mac Donald said that these were “extraordinary times”.
“This has been a difficult year for our Leaving Cert students and we are very aware of the stress they have endured to date due to this pandemic.
The process outlined by the Minister is far from ideal.
However, we will be striving to improve the process in order to deliver fairness, objectivity, and equity for all students and protect the professional integrity of teachers.
Teachers being lobbied
Speaking on RTÉ Radio One’s This Week programme, McDonald said that it is “just unacceptable” that teachers would be lobbied by parents and students.
The fact is that we would have to put in place a protocol around that. The integrity of the system depends on an impartial system being put in place. So, a lobbying protocol will most certainly have been put in place immediately.
Clive Byrne, president of the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals, said that as part of that protocol, it should be “necessary” should be a written note to say if and when a teacher is contacted by a student or parent.
“If somebody is contacted by student or parent and asked in relation to canvassing or grade or other things like that, a written record should be kept.
“And that must be taken on board when the teachers are making their grades and their rankings with the principal.”
He said that lobbying for grades or canvassing “would be completely inappropriate”.
The ASTI said it will be seeking a number of clarifications from the Department of Education and Skills in relation to its concerns. The TUI has also said that it requires clarifications from the Department about the process.
This afternoon, the TUI joined the call for safeguards to protect teachers from any lobbying.
“A protocol that protects teachers from any form of lobbying or canvassing in relation to their role in terms of the system of calculated grades must immediately be introduced by the Department of Education and Skills. The professional integrity and independence of teachers must be protected,” TUI President Seamus Lahart said.
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Well, he’s a great guy at what he does but, film is about developing and adopting to new genres and ideas… I think bill is not someone that can power that engine
Younger people are needed at the top. They will be delighted with the opportunity at half the price.
Yea but because Bill isn’t a film industry head he might take heed of more peoples opinions and ideas.
He is ok – but why give it to a guy who has a good job already – and to a degree part of the establismnet – — so much for ” young blood ”.
It seems to me that the definition of Legend in R.T.E. circles means those who won’t, don’t or can’t retire !
a good ol Blueshirt,
more jobs for the boys.
more of the ‘new politics’ of FG/Labour !!!!
Bill knows nothing about sport never mind the industry he know represents , he’s a institutionalized Rte placement. Ridiculous pick…
Well done Katie andSéamus though at least a couple of people on there might know what there talking about. Some ludicrous appointments though :’(
Fine gael looking after one of its own. Nothing changes.
Bill O’Herlihy, you’ve gotta be f**king kidding.
A blatant and shameless political for a high profile Fine Gael apparatchik. They’re not even attempting to dress it up as anything other than that. Which shows how much they do not give a shit about the optics. Be prepared to see Billo’s mug peering out at you from photos taken at more than a few international film festivals in the next couple of years while he’s putting on the green jersey – the one formally worn by John O’Donoghue.
You are so right. So depressing. More jobs for the boys. Will Ireland ever change?
Just wondering how many of these people would be willing to serve on the board free of charge.
Would you work free of charge? Nothing stopping you from volunteering your services free of charge.
I see Ireland’s begrudgers are out en-masse today.
It’s not about the salary – it’s about the expenses, and the jollies and the free flights and the international film festival, symposiums and any other euphemism you can think of to describe a taxpayer funded session – all in the name of promoting Irish Culture and industry. Much like an appointment to the board of Aerlingus would be regarded as a reward for long serving party member, this is of the same ilk. To accuse people of begrudgery for pointing that out belies your own persuasions.
Sorry, but I disagree. Bill OHerlihy is a distinguished broadcaster, broadcasting isn’t a million miles from film making, so why shouldn’t he be asked, and why shouldn’t he remunerated appropriately? I’ve served on 1 board – (as an expert), I was been remunerated, and no, I wouldn’t have taken on that position were there not remuneration. Why should I? I’m giving my time and my personally funded expertise and experience.
I volunteer to sit on the board for no salary !
That’s fine Michael, and that’s your choice. I just don’t like the idea that in order to be anything in the public service in Ireland you apparently have to do it for free, while those who work privately should be the real capitalists of the world.
I’m sorry, but we aren’t volunteers, we are professionals, and should be viewed in that light.
Sorry John but you can’t expect us to use your expertise and experience and graft that on to this example. You are not to the best of my knowledge a well know Fine Gael PR professional with a sideline in broadcasting. And there is a difference Between operating in the closed glasshouse of RTE and the international world of modern filmmaking. Many people involved un the film industry are bemused at this appointment. No one is having a go at you or your own contributions to boards. But it is fair to say that the system of state appointees has been open to abuse. This government was very vocal about such practices when in opposition. However it seems to have intensified if anything since they have come into power. You are making this about you and your circumstances. It is not.
Apologies from the fragmented nature if that last comment. Typing on a phone!
As any good Dictator knows it is very important to control the media and the judiciary so Enda is doing very nicely thank you. Fine Gael now control most national print media, RTE, most national radio stations and Bill can make sure we watch the “right” movies
No doubt the Fine Gael defenders will be on shortly to tell us how he is the best candidate and that this is appropriate . Where is David Higgins ? Normally he would have posted by now to defend the indefensible
Okey dokey now Maurice, would it be fair to say that was a good movie!!
Okey Dokey…. Good call, few people on irish tv are as universally liked as Bill.
Which universe are you living in?
Few people on the journal as universally disliked as Andy
Oh no, online people might not like me… do i care? No.
jobs for the lads if u ask me.
Young blood!!!!
Is Anne Doyle a member of FG, surely she is due for a plum position since she retired ?
All pals of Jimmy’s I presume ? Why are these positions not advertised and open to the public to apply for??
Because “canvassing will disqualify ” ….l.o.l.
How old is Bill now?
He was a great anchorman with Dunphy and Giles.
According to wiki & google he is 74 Bill O’Herlihy (born 26 September 1938)
New Film Board classification just announced; PG, 12, 15, 18…. and Okey Doke.
Even better he’s from cork,top man..
Joe,some sad dudes who do not like class!
Oh right, Bill! that big hollywood hustler himself…wha?
Jobs for the boys. My God, when is this all going to end? Look at Gaybo! Lyric FM, Temple Street, Road Safety, RTE TV, & so on. How many cushy numbers has he under his belt? Isn’t it any wonder there is severe unemployment on this island of ours when RTE and the likes have cosy cartels running right in front of our noses!
It’s immoral Bill to accept this position at your age and in your position. Young people are committing suicide because of the hopelessness felt today for their futures. Gaybo, Bill, and the rest of old RTE staff who are beyond retirement age should look at their greed and think about others for once. As for the people who give these jobs to people – they also need to reflect on their values.
Is this a joke ?Please tell me there is no salary with this job . Bill is well known for being tight . Young blood please .
Bill lobbies for the tobacco industry. Disgusting.
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