Non-written exams costing students valuable study time

A PARENTS’ group wants oral and practical exams for the Junior and Leaving Certificate to be held during school holidays to prevent disruption of tuition time to thousands of students.

More than 1,600 teachers are missing from schools for up to two weeks each year to take oral language exams, according to the State Examinations Commission (SEC). Its 2004 annual report published yesterday also revealed that a further 1,030 teachers examined practical and project work.

As well as taking the oral exams, teachers also oversee practical examinations in subjects including music and home economics, between February and May.