KEEP calm, talk to others, and seek advice if necessary so that you can make a considered choice, is the advice offered to the almost 2,700 students who received their leaving certificate results today, Wednesday, August 15.
Taking time to consider the options ahead is also the advice coming from the ASTI president Breda Lynch who offered her congratulations to all the students including the 2,697 who sat their exams in Limerick this Summer.
“I wish to congratulate all our Leaving Cert students for their hard work over the past five or six years as second-level students. This is a wonderful achievement and an important milestone for you all. Well done and the best of luck with whatever route you choose to follow,” said Ms Lynch.
The ASTI President said the Leaving Certificate gives students a transparent, objective and fair statement of their efforts at the end of their second-level education and is highly valued by students, parents and teachers.
“Our independently-assessed Leaving Certificate has high credibility both in Ireland and internationally. For young people, it represents a passport to a wide range of opportunities in further education, training, work and much more.”
“It is important to keep things in perspective over the coming days as whatever set of results you hold in your hands, you have options.
“There are many ways for you to pursue your interests.
Ms Lynch paid tribute to the teachers who worked so diligently with their students over the past number of years: “This is a day for students, their parents and their teachers to be proud.”
Echoing the sentiment of looking beyond the results, Samaritans in Limerick and Tipperary have called on students, parents and peers to make sure young people getting their exam results are not put under unacceptable pressure.
The charity group said that it is crucial to emphasise that emotional well-being is more important than grades.
Keeping their results in perspective and their options open helps young people – and their parents – recover if they are disappointed or do not get a place on the course or career they want to join.
John Downey, lead volunteer and branch director in Limerick Samaritans, said: “Getting exam results can be stressful and we hope all students are pleased with their results. If you are not, remember that your results don’t define who you are, or show all that you can do.
“There are other opportunities and a chance to study again if that is what you want to do. You may need to make other plans and take some time to think, but that’s ok.
“Anyone worried about themselves or a student can contact Samaritans for free from any phone on 116 123, text 087 260 9090 or email [email protected].”
The National Parents Council also have a post-primary Leaving Cert Helpline 1800 265 165 operational until Wednesday, August 22.
According to the State Examination Commission, students who received their results will be offered a chance to view their scripts and appeal results through a process outlined in the student handbook or online at examinations.ie
