Junior and Leaving Cert exams to get underway

More than 115,000 teenagers today begin their Leaving or Junior Certificate exams in centres across the country.

Almost 90 subjects will be tested during the two-week marathon, with teachers warning pupils not to cram in too much study.

As well as curricular subjects there will also be 15 languages tested at Leaving Cert for native speakers including Polish, Czech, Romanian and Hungarian.

Education and Skills Minister Mary Coughlan sent her best wishes to all the students sitting their examinations over the coming weeks.

“After many long hours of study and preparation, 55,783 Leaving Certificate students, 57,133 Junior Certificate students and 3,418 Leaving Certificate Applied students finally get the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of a range of subjects and mark an important achievement in their lives,” she said.

Meanwhile the State Examinations Commission (SEC) revealed enhanced procedures have been put place to avoid the blunder that left pupils having to sit their second English paper on a Saturday morning after a superintendent handed out the exam on the wrong day.

Measures include amending timetables to ensure no subject with two written papers will be held either on two mornings or two afternoons; redesigned packets and labels to prioritise the key information and instructions; and updated and revised training and instructions for superintendents.

The Irish Prison Service confirmed 117 inmates will sit Leaving Cert examinations, with 161 taking Junior Certificate subjects.

Elsewhere 53 pupils attending the Ism International School in Tripoli, Libya, will take the Leaving.

Ms Coughlan, the Tanaiste, also paid warm tribute to teachers for preparing the students and to the State Examinations Commission for the huge level of work involved in running the exams.

She advised students to stay calm and focussed over the coming 13 days and to enjoy the summer months ahead.

“While the State exams are an important milestone in your lives, I hope that you will keep the exams in perspective and bear in mind that there are many opportunities for you to continue your education after the Leaving Certificate,” Ms Coughlan added.

Fine Gael Education Spokesman, Brian Hayes, said sitting the Leaving and Junior Cert was a daunting experience that often brings with it a huge amount of stress.

“All anyone can ask of these students is to do their best, and I would urge students to keep calm and keep these exams in perspective,” he said.

“Any exam is important, but it also must be remembered that these are not the be all and end all.

“There are so many options to choose from these days – with third level, further education, and training – that young people should be confident in their future after these exams.”

The Leaving Certificate results will be issued on Wednesday, August 18, with the Junior Certificate results released around a month later.