Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 March 2022
135. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Education if an assessment has been carried out on the mental health impact of proceeding with a traditional leaving certificate examination in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13505/22]
View answerIn determining the approach to be taken to the 2022 Leaving Certificate examinations, I 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. I also met with the members of the advisory group on a bilateral basis. I listened carefully to what each of these stakeholders had to say and examined each of their points.
Following consideration of this matter by Government, I announced on 1 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 changes have been communicated to schools.
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 confirmed the waiving of the fees for the 2022 Leaving Certificate and Junior Cycle examinations. Students will not have to pay the fees which would usually be €116 and €109 for the Leaving Certificate and Junior Cycle examinations respectively.
I believe that the decision announced will provide Leaving Certificate students of 2022 with an opportunity for their learning and attainment at the end of their post-primary education to be assessed, and will enable them to progress to the next stage of their lives. It also provides the certainty and clarity in this matter that had been requested by schools and parents.
The most current information on all matters relating to Leaving Certificate examinations is available online and this includes wellbeing information and supports for students, parents/guardians and school staff. This includes a series of supports on managing wellbeing, coping with uncertainty and managing stress and anxiety, developed by the National Educational Psychological Service in the Department, to support students. A video will shortly be available on Minding Your Wellbeing that speaks directly to the students. The webpage has links to more individualised support for students to access, should these be needed. The Department worked with the Department of Health and the HSE to ensure the most appropriate services and resources are clearly signposted for students.
