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State Examinations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 February 2022

Tuesday, 8 February 2022

Questions (448)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

448. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education if she will consider a matter raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) in relation to a hybrid leaving certificate going forward; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6729/22]

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Written answers

I am very aware of the disruption experienced by students who are due to take their Leaving Certificate examinations this year. In recent weeks, I have met with the Advisory Group on State Examinations, which has representatives of students, parents, teachers, school managerial bodies, the further and higher education sector, and the State Examinations Commission. Following on from this meeting, I met with the members of the advisory group on a bilateral basis and also had further engagement with each of them thereafter. I listened carefully to what each of these stakeholders has had to say and examined each of their points.

Following consideration of this matter by Government, I announced on 1st February the decision to operate an examinations approach for Leaving Certificate in 2022, with significant further adjustments to the examinations; and to provide students with a commitment that the overall results of Leaving Certificate 2022 will not be lower than in 2021.

Further adjustments have been announced to the examination papers, over and above those announced in August 2021, and the detail of these will be shortly communicated to schools. These adjustments will mean that candidates: have greater choice in the papers; have less questions to answer; and still have the same amount of time as in a normal year to complete the examination.

This is in addition to previously announced changes, such as the running of the Leaving Certificate Oral Examinations and Music Practical over the first week of the Easter Break.

Timeframes for certain assessment elements of the Leaving Certificate Applied examinations have also been moved out. Schools were also reminded of the flexibilities they have regarding the dates for completion and authentication of examination Coursework.

Additionally, I have confirmed the waiving of the fees for the 2022 Leaving Certificate and Junior Cycle examinations.

As part of the adjustments for the 2022 examinations, an alternative set of Leaving Certificate examinations will be run in 2022, shortly after the conclusion of the main set of examinations. These examinations will be limited to certain students who are unable to sit the main set of examinations due to close family bereavement, COVID 19 illness and certain other categories of serious illness to be determined, with due regard for the principles of equity, fairness and integrity, which govern all aspects of the examinations system.

The most current information on all matters relating to Leaving Certificate examinations is available on an ongoing basis at gov.ie - Leaving Certificate 2022 (www.gov.ie). This includes wellbeing information and supports for students, parents/guardians and school staff. Information is also available at the State Examinations Commission at SEC Home - State Examination Commission (examinations.ie).

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