Picture: Valerie O’Sullivan
A KERRY TD has said Leaving Cert students who want to sit their exams should be allowed to do so but those who would prefer the predictive grade assessment option should also be granted that choice.
Deputy Danny Healy-Rae said he is very concerned about leaks to the media suggesting that students who want to sit their exams will have to wait until next year to do so and he said that option is “totally ridiculous”.
In a letter to Education Minister, Joe McHugh, the Independent TD said each student should indicate their option now to avoid legal challenges at a later date and to bring finality to the ongoing saga.
“To suggest that further re-sitting of exams would go ahead in 2021 is ludicrous. The exams can and must go ahead this summer with proper social distancing,” he said.
In sharp contrast to the view taken by his TD brother Michael, who called for the exams to be cancelled, Danny Healy-Rae said schools would be able to cater for their Leaving Certificate class by “spreading them around the rooms within the school” and, if necessary, using public buildings such as community centres and libraries.
“The impact of this potential option of re-sitting exams early next year will prevent these students from going to college as they may not be happy with a predictive grade.
“It will impact the class of 2021 as there will be constraints on college capacity and huge competition for college places,” he said.
Deputy Healy-Rae said he has been inundated with calls from teachers, students and parents and many teachers have complained that decisions have been made with little or no consultation with them.
“I believe they deserve credit for the work they have put into their classes, particularly their exam years, in preparing them for exams.
“The circumstances have changed numerous times and they have continually tried to keep their students engaged and encouraged all of the time,” Deputy Healy-Rae stated.
Earlier this week, Deputy Michael Healy-Rae said a decision should be taken to cancel this year’s Leaving Certificate examinations.
He insisted it would be unfair, wrong and not in the best interest of the students to proceed with the current plan.
Michael Healy-Rae also wrote to Minister McHugh and said he had ascertained the views of 25 students across Kerry through Zoom and heard first-hand the issues they are facing on a daily basis in the lead up to exams.
“Cancelling the Leaving Certificate is now a matter of public health. The mental health of our young people throughout Ireland is being severely impacted by the stress, worry and concern around the lack of clarity being given and the lack of preparedness due to not being able to physically be in school,” Deputy Healy-Rae stated.
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