08/05/2020
A lesson hard learned that the Leaving Certificate needs reform. I applaud Joe McHugh for making what was an unenviable announcement today. We were faced with an impossible choice between justifying the hard work, and maintaining healthy mental and physical states. I am heartbroken that my students will not be able to sit their exam, and earn their grade.
The reason is because my students range from students who failed the mocks, to students who stradded the line of a H2 and H1. School didn't see them reach that H1. Those who failed have put in monumental work since then and have turned a corner, but will that be seen and taken into consideration? It all remains to be seen, and schools have such an arduous task ahead of them. Those who choose not to accept the predicted grade will sit the examinations sometime, perhaps after Christmas, thereby missing the intake for 2020 third level.
There was no easy way to make the right choice, but the right choice must always be the mental and physical health of our young minds. I have seen every scratch of the pen on the page, in some cases over a period of 5 years, I know what battles were overcome, from undiagnosed dyslexia to mental health and family circumstances, and I follow all of their stories with such genuine interest and concern for many years ahead. Please know that I am more than happy to talk to any student with any queries at any stage.
