Backlash after Minister Foley confirms exam-only Leaving Cert

What do you think of the Education Minister's latest announcement?

An exam-only Leaving Cert will go ahead this summer. Both parents and students are furious over the announcement. Many believe children have not had enough time to prepare for the exams. Others have called for exemptions to be made because of Covid disruptions. Minister Norma Foley confirmed extensive changes will be made to the written exams.

Minister Foley acknowledged the "disruption to teaching and learning experienced" by the class of 2022. She claims this year's exam students will not be "disadvantaged".

"Students need not be concerned that they will be disadvantaged compared to their peers."

However, people are shocked the class of 2022 are expected to sit the exams. Many felt a Hybrid Leaving Cert was the best way to go, but Minister Foley shut down the idea.

"It reflects an absolute disregard for the mental health of our students"

One person wrote, "The Leaving Cert is a broken system. As is - It is not fit for purpose in 21 century Ireland. Learning books of information off by heart is a waste of an opportunity." Dr. Mary O'Kane added, "This decision is in direct opposition to calls from children’s rights organisations. She also agreed that this is a "missed opportunity". "It reflects an absolute disregard for the mental health of our students. I am devastated for the Leaving Cert students who campaigned for the Hybrid LC 2022." Do you agree with Minister Foley's decision? Or do you think it is unfair to expect students to sit these dated exams? Surely it is time to change Ireland's exam system. It is far too old-fashioned and feels like nothing but a memory test.