THE tens of thousands of teachers involved in this year’s Leaving Cert exams were thanked and praised for their efforts last week when the results were collected.
Almost 59,000 students received their Leaving Cert Established, Applied and Vocational results while 23,000 teachers were directly involved in the exams.
The exams timetable was extended by two days this year to provide for new scheduling options, which were intended to minimise clashes for students, particularly in light of the introduction of new subjects of Politics and Society in 2018 and Computer Science and PE in 2020.
The new measure meant no students had to sit three exams in one day, as was sometimes the case in previous years.
The results day was also brought forward by one day while the appeals timeline is shorter and will finish three weeks earlier than previous years, with post-appeal results confirmed by September 20.
The third major reform this year saw a more compassionate approach for students who suffer a close family bereavement around the time of Leaving Certificate exams and they were allowed defer up to three days of exams until July.
Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh, congratulated everyone who sat this year’s Leaving Cert.
“It is another step through life but there are many more days and changes that will define your future,” he said. “You should be very proud of your achievements.
“There are many paths open to you, with a wide range of opportunities available in higher education, further education, post Leaving Certificate courses and apprenticeship and traineeship routes.
“There are also an increasing number of options and opportunities for students regionally. More lead-in courses, more choice at institutes of technology and colleges planning for technological university status.
“Principals, teachers and other school and education staff deserve huge credit for their work to support students in reaching their potential, as do the 23,000 teachers directly involved in the operation of the State examinations, without whom the exams would not happen.
“The dedication and professionalism shown by all in preparing students and then undertaking key roles in the operation of the State examinations is a great tribute to the quality of the Irish education system and the overriding commitment to have students’ interests at the heart of the system.
“Parents and guardians also deserve our thanks. I am sure many felt that they themselves were sitting the exams. Your role in supporting students through the senior cycle cannot be underestimated.”
ASTI President Deirdre Mac Donald also congratulated all the students receiving their results.
“Today represents a significant milestone for each and every one of you,” she said.
“It signals an end to one phase of your life and the beginning of a new and exciting phase. The skills and experiences you have acquired over the last number of years, and the efforts and contributions you have made, will serve you in many ways and in many areas of your life.
“Be assured that the real life learning which you have acquired will be put to good use over the coming years. Your teachers are very proud of you and feel honoured to have been involved in your development and education to this point in your life”.
Ms Mac Donald added that, regardless of results, Leaving Cert students should remain calm in the days and weeks ahead so that they can explore all of their options and make sound decisions.
“One of the really positive developments in education over the last couple of decades is that, though the Leaving Certificate results remain important, they are no longer the only path to a desired career outcome,” she stressed. “Nowadays there are many different pathways to the same endpoint. This was not always the case. Some paths may take a little longer, but that in itself can be a fruitful and educational experience.”