LEAVING Cert exams will return to the traditional setting this summer for the first time since 2019.
The accredited system, which saw students being marked based on teachers’ estimated marks, was in place in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The system will be replaced this summer by the Government, with the decision being influenced by grade inflation over the last two years.
Students have been calling for a hybrid model this year for the Leaving Cert, with an option for the accredited system to be used, but the Government is set to reject this model.
The Government’s decision has been met with backlash by students and TDs. Sinn Fein TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire felt it was a ”desperate decision” and that he was ”absoulutely gutted for Leaving Cert students.”
This is a desperate decision. Absolutely gutted for leaving Cert students.
The Minister has refused to listen to students, & failed to understand the level of disruption. Tradition should not trump sense or fairness
Will be raising directly with Minister in Dáil tomorrow night https://t.co/8XpgeHWI6k
— Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (@Donnchadhol) January 31, 2022
Taoiseach Micheál Martin was questioned on the matter of the hybrid model and the inflation in grades recently. He said; ”We know hybrid models can create grade inflation. There are, therefore, challenges with the hybrid model that have to be assessed.”
The Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) and the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) chimed in on the Government’s decision, saying they remained committed to the holding of State exams this year but hope students modifications will be made to help students be confident doing these exams.
ASTI said; ”Every feasible adjustment to the written exams should be considered to give students as much confidence as possible as they continue their preparations.”
The TUI also commented on modifications needed this year for students taking the exams. ”In 2021, students were expected to answer a reduced number of questions in each exam with the same time allocation. This is again required in 2022.”
