Students Union says State Exams ‘cannot go ahead as planned’

The Irish Second-Level Students’ Union (ISSU) has said it believes that the State Examinations 2022 cannot go ahead as planned.

Under current plans, students sitting the 2022 State Exams would see adjustments and more choice on their exam papers.

The union representing second-level students have called this a “complete disregard for students’ best interests”.

Speaking on the matter, ISSU Uachtarán, Emer Neville said:

“The State Exams cannot go ahead as planned, that much is clear.

“This year’s cohort of exam students have been very vocal about the disruption they are facing in and out of the classroom.

“There is no online tuition provided to those isolating, and students have missed class time throughout 2021 and 2020, as a result of school closures.

“There is no way we can stand over assessing these students with the traditional Leaving Certificate.

“We are calling on the Minister of Education to take students’ voices into account and revise the decision about State Exams for 2022.”

Further to this, Jack McGinn, ISSU Education Officer, added: ‘We have heard concerns about some students in this year’s Leaving Certificate cohort not having a Junior Cycle certificate to use for standardisation. However, in light of the circumstances, we must put students first as it is their future that will be impacted.’

The ISSU says it is currently surveying second-level students on the matter, provisional results showing a clear favour towards a hybrid model.

The survey will close on Friday, January 14th with an estimation of up to 30,000 responses.

The highly anticipated survey results are hoped to launch on Monday, January 17th.