On 8 May Minister Joe McHugh announced that the 2020 Leaving Cert examinations are being postponed. Instead of the usual marking process students will receive certification on the basis of certified grades. The school is meeting the students using its remote learning mechanisms to explain this process to them. This has been a stressful period for the students and it is hoped that this decision will finally bring certainty on the issue. They were looking forward to being challenged and tested on the work they have been doing over the last two years. It is very disappointing that this is not the case, unfortunately we are living in an unprecedented situation where the exams could not have been completed safely or fairly. The students will receive calculated grades based on school based data and data from the State Examinations Commission and the Department of Education. Ultimately the students will progress to third level education, apprenticeships or into employment and can look forward to a bright future.
The school must point out the following in relation to the process which is now underway in relation to calculated grades. All schools have been instructed that “the principal, deputy principal, teachers or other members of the school staff must not under any circumstances discuss with any student or with the parents or guardians of any student the estimated marks that the school is submitting”. Furthermore, all teachers have been instructed to cease all teaching and learning activities with students. These measures are devised to ensure equity and fairness to all leaving cert students. The school would greatly appreciate if all parents and guardians act in accordance with these measures.
The full document outlining the calculated grades procedure is available by clicking on the link below
Guide to Calculated Grades for Leaving Certificate Students 2020
