Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Question:522. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education the appeals process that will be put in place in 2021 for students who may wish to appeal their SEC-accredited grade. [10443/21]
View answerWednesday, 24 February 2021
Questions (522)
Written answers
On 17 February, I confirmed that Leaving Certificate 2021 examinations will proceed and students will also have the alternative option of applying for grades accredited by the State Examinations Commission (SEC), to be known as SEC-Accredited Grades.
This decision follows intensive engagement with education stakeholders bilaterally and through the Planning for State Examinations 2021 Advisory Group and sub-group.
This decision ensures for every student a method to assess their learning and attainment at the end of their post-primary education and to progress to higher and further education, and the world of work.
Putting in place both the examination and a corresponding measure of SEC-Accredited Grades is essential to ensuring a fair system, having regard to the extraordinary circumstances of the pandemic and the loss of learning that has occurred for this group of students due to the interruption of in-person teaching and learning during the periods of school closure.
Under the SEC-Accredited Grades process, students will have the opportunity to opt to receive an SEC-Accredited Grade. They can also opt to sit the Leaving Certificate Examination. Students will opt into these processes on a subject by subject basis. Where students opt for SEC-Accredited Grades and the examinations they will be credited with the better of their results from the two processes, on a subject by subject basis.
The SEC Accredited Grades system will include a right of appeal for students. This will comprise a process review focused on the receipt and transmission of student data. Candidates appealing the results of an examination will follow the usual SEC appeals process. This will include an opportunity to view the scripts marked by SEC examiners.
Question No. 523 answered with Question No. 443.