Lowry votes in favour of hybrid Leaving Cert after listening to students

Tipperary Deputy Michael Lowry chose to vote against the Government and with the numerous students who have contacted him when a Motion to secure a choice for Leaving Certificate 2022 students between calculated grades and written examination came before the Dail last week.

“Firstly, what is most important for Leaving Cert students at this time is clarity. The Leaving Cert is due to take place in approximately four months time, it is probably the biggest educational hurdle and the greatest pressure they have faced in their young lives. Yet they still do not know where they stand. That is not good enough”, Deputy Lowry said.

“These students have endured two full years of disruption as a result of the Pandemic. Figures state that some 36,159 students have suffered directly from Covid, not including the huge numbers that were forced to isolate as a result of being close contacts. Many also had inconsistency in teaching as teachers became ill from the virus.  

“This group also went through the periods of homeschooling, which meant that many did not have the necessary technology to allow them to participate”, he said.

“Normality ceased to exist for this age group. The impact that Covid had on young people is incalculable as they worried about their family members, their friends, their own health in addition to their education and future.

“Last week in the Dail we spoke in depth about Youth Mental Health and the need to understand young people's struggles in a way that will benefit and support them. Placing the burden of what is widely acknowledged as the most challenging exam of their lives on them at this time is showing neither understanding or support. It is adding further stress and anxiety. I could not support that”, he said.  

“I understand the obstacles being faced by the Department of Education and teachers in that calculated grades will be difficult to determine for the Class of 2022. Yet these obstacles should not be borne by the students, who find themselves in disadvantaged position that is not of their making.

“I believe that the time is now right for a full review of the way in which we conduct State Exams, particularly the Leaving Cert. Testing the memory and ability of a student on a given day is not a fair means of determining the path for their future.

“The current system in place is outdated and unfair and the Department of Education would serve students better if they took this opportunity to reassess our current examination process so that it gives all students a fairer chance for their futures” Deputy Lowry told the Dáil.