Today, education bosses have been wishing the best of luck to the thousands of third and sixth-year students beginning their Junior and Leaving Cert exams this morning.
After the pandemic caused many disruptions to both groups of students, they are now being hailed for demonstrating “tremendous resilience over the past two years.”
While there is no doubt that it has been a naturally stressful lead-up to the state tests, students may welcome the normality after having to overcome “significant disruption and uncertainty” amid Covid.
Read More: When does Leaving Cert 2022 start, exam timetable, predictions and all you need to know
Speaking this morning, ASTI President Eamon Dennehy praised all of this year’s exam students and said: “You have demonstrated tremendous resilience over the past two years, overcoming significant disruption and uncertainty.”
Mr. Dennehy highlighted that this year’s Junior Cert students have experienced the impacts of Covid-19 for most of their time as second-level students - including school closures, mask-wearing, and learning in cold temperatures due to ventilation requirements.
Meanwhile, Leaving Cert students have had significant bouts of disruption to their Senior Cycle in education and have missed out on opportunities such as work experience, extracurricular activities, and more.
“Many students’ lives have also been touched by Covid-19 illness and some students have lost loved ones,” Mr. Dennehy went on to say.
“You have weathered the storm and can look forward to moving to the next stage of your lives. Now is the time to look after yourself.
“Keep a simple routine, eat well, get exercise, build in relaxation, and take time each day to organise yourself for the day ahead.”
The ASTI President reassured students that their main focus should be on these exams and no other external worries such as grading. He has reassured all those sitting the exams that they will benefit from a trusted, independent exam process.
“Students can be assured of fairness, equity, and transparency – all issues which were brought to the fore during the pandemic.
“A critically important change to this year’s Leaving Cert arrangements is the introduction of measures to ensure that aggregate results are no lower than last year. This will provide a level playing field for the class of 2022.
“To all of those involved in this year’s Junior Cert and Leaving Cert exams - students and their parents, teachers, and the people engaged in exam work – I wish you every success over the coming weeks.”
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
