This Year's Leaving Cert Students Are 'Being Forced To Run A Marathon At A Sprinters Pace'

Saturday, 28 November 2020 13:52

That's according to Cork TD and Sinn Fein Education Spokesperson Donnchadh O'Laoghaire

He says the current cycle of weekly and monthly class testing and continuous assessment cannot continue for 6th year students.

He added that the increased workload coupled with the lack of clarity surrounding next year's exams is having a negative impact on students' stress levels and mental health.

Donnchadh O'Laoghaire is calling on the Department of Education to scrap the calculated grades system and to instead provide a set of clear contingency plans for the class of 2021.

Speaking to RedFM News, he insisted that the current structure in place for 6th year students is unsustainable:

'It's having a really negative impact on students. It is unsustainable. The pressure of it is enormous, and there is just no let up. It's like trying to run a marathon at a sprinters pace. So what we think needs to happen is that the Minister needs to be crystal clear in relation to what's happening. I think she needs to make it very clear that the written exam is the objective.'