Opposition parties call for Government to consider “Hybrid Leaving Cert”

68% of 40,900 students surveyed want a hybrid model this year.

Opposition parties are calling for the Government to "heed the calls of Leaving Cert students" and introduce a hybrid system for this year's exams. In a survey published by the Irish Second-Level Students' Union (ISSU), 68% of 40,900 students surveyed would prefer a choice between written exams and calculated grading. Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD urged the Minister for Education to "engage with students and take seriously their calls for an alternative Leaving Cert arrangement this year". “The message from Leaving Cert students could not be any clearer; they need a choice, between written exams and calculated grading, in recognition of the significant disruption they have experienced in their learning over the last two years due to Covid-19," Ó Laoghaire said. “The Minister for Education cannot leave them waiting in limbo any longer. Now is the time to reassure students and provide some clarity. “The findings of this poll by the ISSU, the largest representative body for second-level students on the island, show that over two thirds of Leaving Cert students want a hybrid exam model this year. “These voices must be listened to. The Minister for Education’s proposal of traditional exams simply cannot go ahead. Labour TD Aodháin Ó Ríordáin said that the current issue was "an opportunity to rethink the old examination system for future generations". “I am calling on the Minister and Department to hear the concerns of students and commence preparations for a hybrid state examination model for 2022," Ó Ríordáin said. “These students have experienced a huge amount of disruption over the last two years, with rolling school closures and huge changes in how they are taught how they learn. The loss of in person teaching in fifth year combined with the interruptions since September due to teachers not being available and the impact of substitutions has had an effect that cannot be ignored. “Until a clear decision is made, this issue will rumble on and on. “We need an education system that works for our young people; one that develops skills and pathways to a range of options for graduates from apprentices to PLCs to university. "We must be guided by our young people in this process.”