Exam not a yardstick of achievement

AS the moment of truth dawns for more than 59,000 Leaving Cert students, it is timely to remind anxious parents that while the results may assume importance today, the exam overall is a very limited yardstick of educational achievement.

Doubtless, the majority will be celebrating tonight at the exciting prospect of going on to third-level education. The arrival of CAO offers early next week will bring joy for many, with the option of undertaking degree courses in subjects like arts, engineering, science, medicine, and nursing. For others, there are apprenticeships in lucrative trades and valuable Post Leaving Cert courses.

No doubt, for some there will also be disappointment. Those whose ambitions are not mirrored in today’s results should remember that some of the most successful people in Irish business never passed the Leaving. Now that the pressure of awaiting results is finally off, this is a time for cool heads in making career choices and, above all, a time not to panic.