Leaving Cert should be more than just a memory test

Young Scientist and Google Science Fair winner Sophie Healy-Thow tweeted this week about her frustration with the Leaving Cert. Here she expands on her opinion about state exams

Wed, 03 Dec, 2014 - 00:00

Sophie Healy-Thow

The Leaving Certificate as it is now is broadly an academic programme and the exam can be described as ‘fair’ in that it is anonymous.

However, I do not feel that the system is the best way to measure the development of a teenager’s potential.

I am 17 years old and in 5th year and have never had any problems with teachers. What I do have a problem with is the examination system.

The Leaving Cert favours students who are good at learning by rote and who excel under an exam environment.

Most exams are a regurgitation of facts. Granted we need to learn facts, but this doesn’t mean that it should be a memory test.

Exams = A memory test and regurgitation facts told to us by our teachers. Is this really the best way to educate us?
— Sophie Healy-Thow (@SophieHealyThow) November 25, 2014

Other abilities such as sports, community work, drama, should be taken into account when determining how points are calculated and how university places are allocated.

I think a more holistic approach would be much fairer to students.

For example, in the US a number of criteria have to be met in order to get a place in university.

Why can't we have a more holistic approach? A good memory is not all we have to offer
— Sophie Healy-Thow (@SophieHealyThow) November 25, 2014

Their system does not just favour people who are good at exams. It also means that extracurricular activities actually stand for something.

Well-rounded students are what our country needs. We need a knowledgable economy that values different types of learning and a system that is fair to all.

It should look at the whole person not just take into account one aspect of an individual.

I have asked some of my friends for their opinions on the Leaving Cert system:

“I think the Leaving Cert is outdated. It puts no emphasis on learning how to use modern technology. There is no IT option available for students to study. Technology needs to be integrated into the system and this would have positive effects.

Article from the 27th of Nov - Young scientist wants overhaul of second-level exams system http://t.co/HHtbp9URyu
— Sophie Healy-Thow (@SophieHealyThow) December 2, 2014

“I think this is important because while most students will acquire a basic amount of technological literacy through interactions with technology outside of school, not all will have the opportunity, and even the ones that do could still benefit from a dedicated education concerning the proper use of technology,” said Ciara Boyle, aged 17.

“The Leaving Cert is an old method of assessment. Times are moving on and it’s about time the education system caught up,” said Steven Jeffers, aged 16.

“I believe that the Leaving Cert shouldn’t be just based on an exam. It should be a certificate you achieve for education in school and outside of school. I think it should include extracurricular activities since many people have to quit doing what they love because they need time to study for their exams.

“I also think that community work should be part of the programme,” said Evita Volginaite, aged 16.

“Overall the two biggest issues I have with the Leaving Cert are that it doesn’t look at people as a whole. It just focuses on academic abilities.

“I also think that you shouldn’t have to do subjects that don’t apply to the course that you want to take in college,” said Brendan Boyle, aged 17.