The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) welcomes the certainty provided to students by today’s announcement in relation to the 2022 State Examinations. The TUI supports the modified Leaving Certificate examinations and assessments and confirmation that the Junior Certificate examinations will take place.
The speculation of recent weeks was both regrettable and avoidable, and it has been reported to us that it has negatively affected student engagement with important Leaving Certificate tasks and decisions.
The TUI has consistently made the point that in the absence of full Junior Certificate data for all students, there is simply no viable model for an alternative assessment mechanism that could guarantee fairness and equity for the class of 2022, irrespective of the postcode of their school. Those commentators proposing a hybrid model completely failed to offer a concrete proposal that would be fair and transparent for students.
The additional modifications to be made to the 2022 State Examinations need to be communicated in full so that students and teachers know exactly where they stand and can make the most of the remainder of the school year.
With the clarity provided today, school communities can maintain their focus on the important business of teaching and learning in the weeks and months ahead. Today’s announcement provides the basis for fair and equitable outcomes for all students, including those in Junior Cycle and 5th Years.