Marking the Leaving Cert

Sir, – The Minister for Education claims that a reformed Leaving Cert incorporating teacher assessment will "empower students, enrich the student experience and embed wellbeing into the curriculum" ("Secondary teachers to resist assessing their own students", News, April 21st).

However, teachers assessing their students’ work will almost certainly result in the Leaving Cert becoming less fair, even if “safeguards” are put in place. It will also place more pressure on students, as every piece of work that they do will count toward their result, while they will still have to prepare for a final exam.

Therefore, I cannot see how teacher assessment will contribute towards empowering me, enriching my experience as a student or improving my wellbeing, if it is in place when I begin the senior cycle. – Yours, etc,

NATHAN WHITLEY (15),

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Milltown,

Dublin 6.