‘Leaving Certificate still remains fairest option for 2021’ -  TUI 

By piofficer, Monday, 1st February 2021 | 0 comments

The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) has reiterated its support for holding the 2021 Leaving Certificate examinations, including second components such as orals, practicals and projects.  

The union does not believe that a system of calculated grades or similar will reduce stress and anxiety in the school community and has expressed concerns about the lack of data on which teachers’ estimated marks could be based compared to last year’s process.  

In addition, the union has said it has significant concerns about the feasibility of offering students a choice between calculated grades and a written examination. Clearly, teaching and preparing a class split into those seeking a calculated grade and those preparing to do a Leaving Certificate examination would be extremely challenging in the time remaining.   

TUI has also stated that external moderation in any system is essential in ensuring consistency and public trust.  

Speaking today, TUI President Martin Marjoram said:  

‘We fully acknowledge the high levels of stress and anxiety in school communities, especially among those students who are due to take the state examinations this year.   

However, we are concerned that a premature decision could be made without full exploration of feasible options.

We believe there are enormous difficulties attached to the proposal that the class of 2021 be offered a choice in terms how they wish to be assessed, and we are reiterating our strong view that the fairest, most equitable option remains the holding of suitably modified and adapted Leaving Certificate examinations, which must take account of the second components of assessment such as orals, practical and project work.    

Clearly, there will be ongoing challenges in the current climate, but students and teachers have consistently demonstrated creativity and ingenuity since school buildings initially closed last March. This is a time for flexibility. Further consideration could be given to extending the breadth of topics covered in papers or adjusting marking schemes, and any other reasonable measures that might ease stress and anxiety among the class of 2021 should not be ruled out.   

For all its flaws, the Leaving Certificate continues to enjoy significant public trust, and in addition to the written examination, second components of assessment such as orals, practicals and projects ensure that learners of all types have their full range of abilities and competencies assessed.   

A return to calculated grades would pose extreme logistical and educational difficulties, given both the substantial amount of the school year remaining and, as a result of disruption to in-school learning both last year and this year, the serious and justified concerns among teachers around a much smaller range of data on which to base estimated marks.   

While TUI members engaged with the calculated grades process owing to the national health emergency last year, their trust was breached when class rank order information was released in a manner that showed complete disregard for vulnerable students and their families.   

We must also caution against cynical interests attempting to use current difficulties to permanently undermine or abolish the Leaving Certificate. All that should be considered at present are feasible solutions to the current situation.  

We will continue to work proactively with all stakeholders on these matters.’  

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