Against a backdrop of calls for students with dyslexia to be given extra time during State exams, one Dublin pupil has explained why she feels it is necessary.
Lucy Brennan is a pupil of St Mary's Baldoyle in Dublin, where she is studying for the Leaving Cert.
The 18-year-old was diagnosed with dyslexia when she was in fifth class.
"A lot of people think that dyslexia would mean you’re stupid, like you can’t read, you can’t write, but that’s not the case," she said.
"I’d be quite a slow reader, but it doesn’t mean I can’t read. So, it would take me a couple of reads to comprehend what I’m actually reading," Lucy added.
Dyslexia is a learning difference that can cause difficulties with learning and work.
It affects approximately one in ten people and occurs on a spectrum, with some people mildly affected and others more severely.
The Dyslexia Association of Ireland argues that timed exams create many barriers for students with dyslexia and other learning difficulties.
It points out that In Ireland, extra time in exams is available "as standard" for dyslexic students at third level.
However, at an Oireachtas committee on 16 May, State Examination Commission CEO Andrea Feeney stated that any special arrangements should ensure they "will not give any candidate an unfair advantage over other candidates in the same examination".
She told politicians that some students may "use" the extra time to "gain an advantage", clarifying she does not mean students with "special educational needs".
She also said that the SEC intends to undertake a formal review of the Reasonable Accommodations in State Examinations scheme, and confirmed that the issue of extra time will be considered as part of this review.
However, the Dyslexia Association of Ireland has said it is "deeply dismayed" at the estimated timeframe of two to three years minimum for the review.
Meanwhile, Lucy's feelings on the matter are clear.
"That extra time would really help," she said.
Watch our video to hear more about how Lucy approaches her study to suit her way of learning and why she feels extra time during examinations would help. We will hear more stories from students in the Leaving Cert Class of 2024 over the course of the week.
