Mixed views from students due to sit Leaving Certificate exams but who now may be given predicted grades.
Leaving Certificate students have finally got clarity after it was confirmed that this year the summer exams have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minister for Education Norma Foley said the decision had been made following an assessment of public health advice. Under the alternative plan announced today, students will have their grades calculated by teachers in their schools, then there will be three further layers to the process. Students can also sit the exams at a later date if they want. There will also be an appeal process for those students unhappy with their calculated grades.
Students in Kenmare, County Kerry give their reaction to the news that the exams will not go ahead.
One student says that while aware that she is in the minority she is not in favour of exam cancellations and does not believe that predicted grades will work in her favour. Another student is happy about the decision given the circumstances. He believes that if students have put in the effort, then predicted grades will pay off for them.
There is no reason to make us sit the exams in the conditions we have been put in.
Another student is happy that the government and the Department of Education listened to the majority of students who are in favour of cancelling the exams and introducing predictive grading. Another student agrees and believes that predictive grades are the fairest way to assess students under the circumstances.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 8 May 2020. The reporter is Paschal Sheehy.
