A jump in the number of students doing an oral Irish test for the Junior Certificate highlights the need to resolve a teachers’ dispute over junior cycle assessment, a principals’ leader has claimed.

School managers have rejected claims that they are unable or unwilling to deal with intimidating and violent student behaviour.

Astronaut Chris Hadfield’s ability to make his adventures in space accessible to a wider audience has been credited by a minister for a large increase in the number of Leaving Certificate students choosing physics and other science subjects.

Parents and students face disruption while junior cycle reforms could be under threat because of industrial action decided by the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI).

Students and parents’ organisations have welcomed the planned overhaul of the Junior Certificates that will move the emphasis away from the final exam.

The state exams begin this morning with a drop in numbers for the Leaving Certificate but a 10-year high of almost 60,000 Junior Certificate students.

STUDENTS who can afford grinds and other supports will have an unfair advantage at the Leaving Certificate until changes are made to how school-leavers are assessed, college leaders have said.

STUDENTS should not lose their sense of perspective or worry too much if one or two exam papers go against them, a teachers’ leader has advised.

SCHOOL management, principals and parents have joined forces to help fight the war on bullying and discrimination against gay and lesbian students.

SECONDARY school principals and their deputies will receive €2,500 each for keeping schools open during the year-long supervision crisis caused by the Association of Secondary Teachers of Ireland pay dispute.