More than two-thirds of Leaving Certificate students want a hybrid state exams model this summer, according to a comprehensive new survey.
The Irish Second-Level Students’ Union (ISSU) survey of school students shows that two-thirds of exam students are calling for a hybrid model for state examinations in 2022 (68 per cent of Leaving cycle students and 63 per cent of Junior cycle students).
The ISSU is the national representative body for second-level school students in the State.
The survey, which closed last Friday received over 40,900 responses from students in the State.
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It involved one in three Senior cycle students and one in seven Junior cycle students.
ISSU student Emer Neville said it was "abundantly clear" that students want to see a hybrid model of examinations and assessments for this year's State exams.
She pointed out that the examinations survey saw double the engagement from students of previous years.
“We are calling on the Department of Education to hear the voice of students, who are continuing their education in abnormal times,” she said.
“With the levels of disruptions, mental health pressures and classes missed, we are asking the minister to introduce a hybrid model for state examinations.”
Students also voiced their concerns about missing classes, missing students and teachers in the classroom and the pressure on their mental health of Covid-19.
In a statement, the Department of Education said planning is going ahead for written and oral exams.
“As has been the case for the 2020 and 2021 state examinations, all planning for the 2022 Examinations will be guided by the prevailing public health advice and will have regard for the wellbeing of our students.”
It said a meeting of the Advisory Group on State Examinations is planned for later this week. The group includes representatives of students, parents, teachers and school leaders,as well as representatives from the State Examinations Commission, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, Higher Education and the Department of Education.
