Rappers, rockers tune up for exams

Rap songs, didgeridoos, samba groups, and Eastern European instruments are turning the Leaving Certificate music into an Ireland’s Got Talent showcase.

A fortnight of practical tests begin next Monday for more than 10,000 Junior Certificate students, where it is worth 25% of marks, and for over 6,000 students who will get up to one third of overall marks available at Leaving Certificate music for their efforts.

However, chief examiner reports published by the State Examinations Commission (SEC) into last year’s exams give a flavour of what those conducting the assessments can expect.