More than 60,000 students finally have greater clarity and certainty over the format of this year’s Leaving Certificate examinations. The class of 2021 has had a torrid time. Students are in their fifth month of remote learning which, despite the best efforts of schools and teachers, is no match for classroom tuition. They deserve to have more choice and flexibility in light of disruption to their academic year.
This is especially important for disadvantaged students. A study by the Economic and Social Research Institute, based on the experiences of schools during the last lockdown, found such pupils suffered the largest learning losses and were less likely to benefit from quiet study spaces, access to computers or decent internet connectivity. It is only fair that alternative assessment options are open to them, as well as those who may not be able to attend exams for health reasons.
Source: Education Headlines (educationheadlines.net)