asked the Minister for Education if all third-level colleges have a provision for autumn repeats for students who are unsuccessful at, or are unable to sit, the summer examinations in these colleges.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - Autumn Examination Repeats
8.
In general, third level colleges have provision for autumn repeats in the circumstances indicated by the Deputy. There are, however, significant exceptions mainly relating to the final years of courses, and to courses in teacher training colleges where practical work is involved. Also in the case of students failing to sit summer examinations, they must produce valid reasons for not doing so before being allowed to repeat in the autumn.
Details of exceptions which were obtained from various colleges will be included in the Official Report.
Following are the details:
In addition to the oral reply which I gave, the following are details of exceptions to the provision of autumn repeats which were obtained from the colleges:
UCG: Final BE and LLB summer examinations cannot, in general, be repeated in the autumn and can only be repeated the following summer.
UCC: Final medical and dental summer examinations can be repeated in the winter but not the autumn. Final BE (Mech. and Civil) can repeat in the autumn but may have to repeat the year.
UCD: Final BSc (Hons.) and BE summer examinations cannot be repeated in the autumn and can only be repeated in the following year.
TCD: Fourth year (final) summer examinations cannot be repeated in the autumn and can only be repeated in the following year.
NIHE Dublin: Final engineering summer examinations cannot be repeated in the autumn and can only be repeated in the following year. Final accounting and finance examinations in September can be repeated in December.
Both NIHE, Limerick, and Thomond College of Education operate continuous assessment. In the case of NIHE assessment is based on a student's performance in each module undertaken, where he fails a module, however, he can repeat it.
In Thomond assessment is based on course work, practical assessment and examinations. Where a student fails an examinations in the summer he can repeat it in the autumn. Pupils must also, however, succeed in their practical and course work. Third year has no end of term examination and is based entirely on practical and course work assessment — if a pupil fails the assessment he must repeat the year. A pupil must also pass teaching practice in each year before being allowed progress.
National College of Art and Design: Examinations consist of those on the main course (for which 80 per cent of total marks are awarded) and a supplementary course in the history of art (the remaining 20 per cent). In final year examinations those who fail the main courses in the summer cannot repeat in the autumn and must sit the examination in the following year. If a student passes the main course examination but fails the subsidiary course examination on the History of Art in the summer, then he can re-sit this examination in the autumn. In final year degree course examinations, however, pupils must pass both the main course and the subsidiary course, there are no autumn repeats. Those who fail other undergraduate examinations in the summer must, in general, repeat the year. Autumn repeat examinations only take place in certain circumstances.
RTCs and Colleges of Technology: It is the general policy of all RTCs and colleges of technology to make provision for repeats on the basis indicated. However in the case of one college the VEC whilst being in favour of providing for a repeat procedure is unable to make provision for it at present.
Have the Department consulted with the NCEAs and the colleges who do not have facilities for autumn examination repeats?
When problems arise they are generally matters for the college authorities. When specific anomalies arise we would raise them not only with the college authorities but with the awarding bodies. This has happened.
What happens if a student becomes ill during examinations and can submit medical evidence? Can that student do an autumn repeat? If there is no provision for an autumn repeat what is the position of the student?
Students failing to sit summer examinations must submit valid reasons for not doing so before being allowed to repeat in the autumn. If a college have a problem the Department will look into such an anomaly and discuss it with the college authorities and, if necessary, the awarding body.
I have given details to the Minister concerning a student who has completed first year but was not able to sit the examinations because of illness. Will that student be able to do the examinations and continue with the second year? There should not be any problem because we are talking about a first year student.
That is being discussed at the moment.
When will a decision be made? We are now nearly at the end of October and that student and that family would like to know what is the position in regard to continuing with the course.
It is our intention to have that matter resolved satisfactorily as soon as possible. There are other parties involved.