Sir, – I agree with all the positive sentiments expressed by Paula Hewson (August 18th) on the achievements of Leaving Cert students but would add that the role of critical thinking and philosophy is sadly missing in what the students of today learn. I believe that these important subjects would help the students of today in dealing deal with life's dramas in a more complete way.
Wishing them all well. – Yours, etc,
PAUL DORAN,
Clondalkin, Dublin 22.
Sir, – I agree wholeheartedly with the sentiment of your editorial "Looking beyond higher education" (August 17th). You write: "Thousands of students across the country have reached an important milestone in their lives with the receipt of their Leaving Cert results." That sentiment is most especially true.
However, I feel it is worth noting the significant efforts of teachers and special needs assistants in encouraging students’ efforts, supporting students in moments of crisis and, crucially, maintaining always a belief that they could indeed reach their goals. This seems absent from much of the annual Leaving Cert commentary in the media. – Yours, etc,
STEPHEN O’HARA,
Ballincollig,
Co Cork.