Junior and Leaving Cert pupils told: Keep calm and carry on

The strong advice from education experts to exam students is to sleep and eat well over the next two weeks.

As close to 120,000 candidates were getting in last-minute study, the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland suggested they keep things in perspective heading into the exams, which start this morning.

Its president Sally Maguire said: “You are sitting exams, and that is all they are; they do not define your value as a person. We are all unique and each person’s best effort on a given day looks different from everyone else’s efforts.”

She suggested focusing on the next exam rather than over-analysing the papers they complete each day, and said students will benefit from looking after themselves.

“Keep a balanced routine over the coming weeks with plenty of study breaks, adequate sleep time, a nutritious diet, and some kind of physical activity each day.”

The National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals urged students to heed the advice of year heads, guidance counsellors, and principals, and also pressed them to get enough sleep and watch their diets.

Director Clive Byrne said: “And of course, make sure to read the exam paper first and be careful to answer the question you’re being asked. Attempt all questions and always be conscious of time.”

The National Parents’ Council-Post Primary said parents know the pressure students are under heading into the exams, and they — along with friends and other relatives — have a vital role to play.

“Sometimes all that a worried student needs is a word of wisdom, a voice of support, or someone who will listen,” said council president Don Myers.

He also asked the media to be aware of the pressures on students and not to add to their stress, particularly on students on the way into exams, if attending schools as part of their coverage.

Ciáran Cannon, the junior education minister, acknowledged the support and encouragement students get from parents, families, and teachers.

“This is often a difficult and stressful time for the students involved, and their families and support networks deserve a special word of thanks for keeping them calm and focused at this time,” he said.

Children’s Minister Charlie Flanagan took to Twitter to send his best wishes to exam students

“Keep calm! Your work will be rewarded,” he tweeted.

Best of luck & every success to all Junior & Leaving Cert students tomorrow. Keep calm ! Your work will be rewarded.

— Charlie Flanagan (@CharlieFlanagan) June 3, 2014

Some sage words of advice were also offered by author and columnist Ross O’Carroll Kelly: “Good luck to everyone storting the Leaving and Junior Cert exams tomorrow. From the man who thought the Egyptians built the Pyrenees.”

Good luck to everyone storting the Leaving and Junior Cert exams tomorrow. From the man who thought the Egyptians built the Pyrenees.

— Ross O'Carroll-Kelly (@RossOCK) June 3, 2014

Tweets on eve of big day

A wide mix of calm, indifference and calamity was to be found in the tweets of exam students in the lead-up to today’s first papers:

- @Smile_Isolin

I will pour hot tar and feathers over you if you say ‘come on Isolin, the leaving cert starts tomorrow’ one more time.

- @kevin_Mac96

No point getting worked up over the Leaving Cert now, at the end of the day it’s just a number on a sheet of paper. Life goes on, we’ll be ok.

- @NinaMassey

is my leaving cert tomorrow? yes. Am i going to spend 2 hours watching millionaire matchmaker? Yes.

- @shanbeliebs

By the time the current carton of milk in my house is out of date I’ll be done my leaving cert

- @Bob_The_Banana

Okeey, it’s the day before the junior cert. Time to condense three years of stuff into studying for a few hours...

- @Andrea_Moran21

Maybe watching braveheart will pass me in history #miraclesdohappen

- @AislingT96

Any lighting candles/prayer donations over the next 2 weeks would be very much appreciated, thanks ?????? #leavingcert

- @xHannahPhelanx

Looking back I never thought I would actually be this relaxed the day before my leaving cert began!! Bring it on I say

- @ultraviol3t_

I’m actually sick with nerves for tomorrow, like how am I doing my Leaving Cert I’m only 5

- @Cararararara_x

There is about a year’s worth of study to be done today

- @ConorDurnin1

Panic mode activated. This will turn off automatically when threat of a leaving cert ceases on the 18th of June.

- @AdamGilroy

Best thing about English Paper 1 is that you can’t exactly study for it, worst thing is that there’s an English Paper 2.. #leavingcert

- @_annaxxx

I hope a speech about how ridiculous the leaving cert is comes up tomorrow because I have a lot to say.

- @Amykeelan

Why couldn’t I have studied earlier ?

- @SammyBaii

Awh man the thought of sitting 2 English papers .... Jesus

- @Connor_Purvis96

Leaving cert starts tomorrow and weirdly I’m excited ??

- @AnnmarieM_Tw

Instead of studying I’m going to search a few convents and see do I need my leaving cert for that too