Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 February 2021
523. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to city and guild courses delivered through institutes of further education (details supplied) that have to date not been able to transfer their examinations online; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5095/21]
View answerI appreciate that this is a time of considerable stress and concern for all students and it is important that this is taken into account by further education and training (FET) institutions.
My officials contacted the FET institution referred to in your question and were advised that due to the nature of the course, City and Guilds were unable to offer students the opportunity to take the examinations online. Adaptations were made available by City and Guilds for year 2 students due to complete their qualification in 2020, and the FET institution arranged for students to complete these examinations outside of the institution. This concession was available following meetings with the awarding body, and the FET institution had to provide assurances and evidence that standards were being followed. It was only available to year 2 students who were due to graduate in 2020 and examinations for year 1 students were postponed until the following academic year.
An examination timetable was prepared for the postponed year 1 examinations and given to students when they registered for year 2 of the programme commencing in autumn 2020. I understand that all postponed examinations have taken place in accordance with the timetable. In January, a new timetable was prepared, and two examinations took place in January 2021, with the remaining examinations scheduled for March, April and May 2021.
The FET institution must comply with the requirements of the awarding body, City and Guilds, which currently does not allow examinations for this course to be completed online. The FET institution appreciates that many of their students are experiencing increased stress at present and are endeavouring to support them under very difficult circumstances.
