The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) has wished students sitting this year’s State examinations the best of luck.
The union, which represents 20,500 teachers and lecturers in second level, adult/further education and at third level, has warned that Senior Cycle redevelopment most be properly resourced.
Speaking today, TUI President David Waters said:
Best of luck to students!
‘We extend the very best of luck to all taking the State examinations this year.’
‘Those sitting the Leaving Certificate should take comfort in the fact that there has never been a wider range of routes to pursue their career of choice.’
‘In general, students will usually find that they are better prepared than they might think. As much as possible, they should maintain a balanced lifestyle over the exam period, taking regular breaks and making sure to eat and sleep properly.’
Special tribute to mature students and those who may only have acquired English recently
‘We pay particular tribute to those students sitting examinations who may have recently returned to education and also to those who may only have acquired English relatively recently.’
‘The support of parents and guardians should be remembered today, along with the dedication of teachers.’
Senior Cycle redevelopment must be properly resourced
‘In a national ballot, members of the TUI voted to accept the support measures contained within the Senior Cycle Implementation Measures document, and we will insist that the measures set out are fully provided in a timely manner.’
‘Teachers are in favour of positive Senior Cycle reform that benefits the education system, but they have serious, ongoing concerns about the absence of appropriate resourcing.’
‘In international terms, our investment level is shamefully low, particularly at second level where our spend as a percentage of GDP is under half of the OECD average. This has clear and obvious negative implications, with a key finding from our survey showing that just half of respondents believe that their school has facilities suited to modern teaching and learning.’
‘If we are serious about aspiring to having a world class education system, our policymakers must match the commitment of students and educators by appropriately funding the sector.’