Dáil debates

Wednesday, 3 March 2021

Reopening Schools and Leaving Certificate Examinations: Statements

 

6:05 pm

Photo of Norma FoleyNorma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Tóibín raised an issue about the leaving certificate. I want to make clear that guidelines have been sent to schools about all aspects of the leaving certificate with dates for oral examinations and coursework. It has all been made clear to schools. For example, oral examinations will take place between 26 March and 15 April. The final assessments for the accredited grades process will be completed by 14 May. It has been clear that music, oral examinations and other work have been proofed by public health services. We have made it clear that there are only three areas where such assessment cannot take place, due to public health advice, including construction studies, engineering and physical education. We have made it clear that music examinations are taking place. As I said earlier, there are a number of aspects to music and students have an option to do an individual performance where it a vocal performance or they are playing an instrument, or there might be an ensemble or larger group. Further public health advice about that is pending.

I can come back to the issues raised by Deputy Canney. Both the Minister of State, Deputy Madigan, and I have met with the parents of pupils at Rosedale School. I have spoken with the principal of Rosedale, who was well acquainted with the issues facing it for the leaving certificate in 2022. Considerable accommodation and work was provided for the 2021 leaving certificate. That has stood us in good stead this year, with alterations to papers, latitude for coursework and project work, and a similar opportunity will be availed of for the 2022 leaving certificate and in future.

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