Students protest against traditional Leaving Cert this year

Students across the country are calling for the Government and Department of Education to not hold a traditional Leaving Certificate this year – instead calling for a hybrid approach with accredited grades.

Protests are being held in Dublin 15, at the Dáil, Carlow, Waterford, and Wexford and a strike is being held in the Mayo/Roscommon area.

Marty Pawlak, activist and organiser of the Blanchardstown protest said: “We call on Norma Foley, the government and stakeholders to listen to our voices and understand the reasons for our protests.

“We have missed so much more than the three months we were out of school and we deserve accommodations that reflect that.

Students organising in Wexford said: “We believe the wellbeing of the students should not be jeopardised in the name of tradition.

“There has been severe disruption to our learning and to even fathom running the LC this year in a traditional format is absolutely ludicrous.

“The ISSU has revealed that 68% of students are demanding a hybrid approach, the Minister and her Department must hear us and give us the opportunity of an accredited grade and the option to sit an exam.

“Enough is enough. Students have pushed for this approach. The stress, anxiety and uncertainty has gone on for too long. Time for change is now, we demand a hybrid approach and that’s what we expect,” said Arthur Pushkin and Alice Jennings, organisers of the Waterford protest.