Leaving Cert shake-up not ‘dumbing down’ exercise

The Government has defended the shaking up of the Leaving Certificate grading system and insisted it is not dumbing down the State’s major examination.

Education Minister, Jan O’Sullivan said the new system was not about lowering standards but making it fairer for students.

“They are intended to better serve students, to encourage them to be ambitious in their choices and reduce the high stress levels that are currently associated with the Leaving Certificate,” she said.