Leaving Cert schedule ends writer’s cramp

I FULLY support the new Leaving Cert timetable and I have yet to hear of someone, with the exception of Aisling Twomey (Letters, December 3), who hasn’t thought it was an inspired decision by Education Minister Mary Hanafin — one which will make the Leaving Certificate a lot less draining.

I would like to congratulate the minister for implementing this new timetable so quickly.

Ms Twomey claims the new timetable will cause a decrease in the number of students choosing chemistry in the future. This is ridiculous. No student selects his or her Leaving Cert subjects, which will determine what course they can do in college, because they are scheduled later than most other exam subjects. Students choose chemistry because they are interested in the subject or want to be pharmacists, etc.

It is inconceivable that everyone would be happy with the new timetable, but I think the minister is to be applauded for having made such welcome utilitarian changes to the timetable which will aid the majority of students by separating exams which require the most writing. This will allow students to avoid the dreaded writer’s cramp and enable them to perform better.

Different subjects being examined close together may prevent last-minute cramming, but the exam is about what you can learn in two years, not two hours.

Sarah Egan

20 Ashdale Park

South Douglas Road

Cork