Due to error students at a Drogheda school got a preview of what was on a Leaving Certificate English exam paper.
Day two of the Leaving Cert exams but exam halls across the country are empty. English Paper II has been postponed as a result of the mistake which meant some students got an unfair glimpse of the paper.
At St Oliver's Community School in Drogheda, English Paper II was given out to students in error. Students were sitting Paper I and the supervisor quickly realised the mistake. However, some students had already seen what lay ahead.
Students were shocked at the error but delighted that they found out what would be asked on the next exam paper. Seamus Byrne says he had the paper for about five to 10 seconds, enough time to identify the key topics.
The examination for English Paper I continued as normal. St Oliver's Community School issued a statement confirming that the error made by an exam superintendent only came to light after a parent telephoned the school to alert them of the mistake.
Principal Daniel Toole said that all students are being contacted by phone to offer support stating,
Our primary concern is the welfare of the students.
The exam papers are now being replaced by backup papers and the examination has been rescheduled for later in the week.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 4 June 2009. The reporter is Richard Dowling.
