Clarity finally given to Junior Cert students
Responding to the revised arrangements for this year’s Junior Cert exam announced by the Minister for Education today, Labour Education spokesperson, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin T.D, said:
“I welcome the clarity that today’s announcement finally gives to Junior Cert students regarding this year’s exam.
“It is important that the hard work of students over the past three years is formally recognised with a State certificate.
“Giving schools the autonomy to decide whether to run their own assessments and in what form is also a positive development, as each school will be aware of the unique circumstances of their own students.
“It is important that the guidelines on this are published as soon as possible in conjunction with teachers unions, staff reps and parent associations.
“We also need clarification regarding the practical tests in certain subjects.
“I also understand that special allowances will be made for students who may be unwell or who have been at a disadvantage due to remote learning since the schools were shut, which is extremely welcome.
“Not everyone has the same access to technology and it is important that their work prior to the shutdown takes precedence in their results.
“However today’s announcement shouldn’t have taken this long to come about and this is the first time it appears the Minister has actually attended the advisory group meeting during this crisis.
“I hope that from here on in there will be clarity around all announcements coming from the Department of Education on the state exams.”