Ms Kate Lancaster-Ryan:

My name is Kate Lancaster-Ryan and I am the Sligo representative on the Comhairle na nÓg national executive. Two thirds of students think there is too much emphasis on exams. This is a worryingly high figure. However, 42% think that exams are the best way to test learning. One student from County Clare said: "There should be less emphasis on exams. Students' progress should be individual and not compared to others." Some 64% of students wish there was more project work, something we all feel could be improved on, perhaps by the addition of more project work in the curriculum.

Unsurprisingly, exams were the biggest source of stress for students. Over half think that exams take over their lives in schools. Exams are particularly stressful for third, fifth and sixth year students. Of those who indicated a preference when asked, "Do students have a say in schools?", responses were split evenly between "Yes" and "No", which shows that some schools are getting it right while others still have changes to make. Finally, a transition year student from County Cork said: "I think teachers should take our opinions on board because as young people our ideas are often new, relevant and innovative when it comes to things that affect us. We are, after all, the students."

Ms Bakker will now discuss section 3 on young people's views on services and IT in schools.