Young scientist wants overhaul of second-level exams system

One of the Kinsale schoolgirls recently listed by Time magazine as one of the world’s most influential teenagers has called for an overhaul of the examination system.

As schools and students prepare for next Tuesday’s strike action by second-level teachers over government plans to have teachers mark the work of their own students, Sophie Healy-Thow tweeted her frustration with the current system.

The fifth-year student at Kinsale Community School said: “Exams = A memory test and regurgitation [of] facts told to us by our teachers. Is this really the best way to educate us? Why can’t we have a more holistic approach? A good memory is not all we have to offer.