The leaving cert is not the end of the world

In June 2014, an online poll was released by Christine Bohan, enquiring “if the Irish Leaving Cert is important?”. Out of a sample size of 9,638, 55% reported “It's important in the short term but not the long term” (p=5330), 31% reported “Yes, it's very important” (p=3025), and 13% reported “No” (p=1283).

With around 121,000 Irish students submerging themselves in the Leaving Cert, it s notable to mention the possible indirect effect on the Irish youth? This approach of assessing students in Ireland’s second-level institutions, is not without fault.

Research on the effect of this grading system and its implication for the youth

As per survey reported in the Irish Times in 2019 by author Ellen O'Riordan, “75% of students surveyed, reported ‘extreme’ stress over the course of the two-year Leaving Cert cycle”.

Exam pressure is a real thing, said survey of nearly 2,700 students has noted that over half of Irish Leaving Cert students have developed mental or physical health issues as a result of exam pressure. The online survey conducted across the State by Studyclix for second level students and teachers to help with exams. Also notable, is that 71% of students reported the most prominent issue regarding this is anxiety, and that 37% reported they would prefer to be graded by more continuous assessment.

Irish students’ post-secondary level have stated when previously asked about their experiences with the Irish Leaving Cert period of their lives, that it “crushed their creativity”. It can also be suggested that such an assessment merely rewards rote learning.

What may be causing such a rise in anxiety during this exam cycle? This is relating to “exam pressure” which if dissected sounds not too dissimilar to attitudes towards expectations. Such expectations? Well, there are numerous possible (and probable) factors at play here. Firstly, where are these expectations originating, such factors may include, parents, teachers, media or even peers.

What’s to be done? Don’t worry, its not the end all

There are numerous options regarding alternatives to the Irish leaving cert, for whatever the persons ambition is, there are ways around this institutionalised method of assessment at such a young age.

The leaving cert is not the end of the world

Want to go to college without a leaving cert? no problem!

There are several Access Courses available in both the Republic of Ireland, and in Northern Ireland. These courses vary in range. Access courses are designed for adult learners (age usually 20 and up), to provide opportunities to help them succeed in progressing to furthereducation and are available full-time or part-time. Afterall, once in third level education, the leaving cert may have been (or not) a factor in securing your place there, but that is where the rewards of the Leaving Cert end, and will likely not provide any further aid in progressing through University. These access courses may also lead on to full time employment.

Want to go straight into work, without a Leaving Cert? No problem!

There are several options for those who want to jump straight into the grind of working. Apprenticeships of numerous fields are offered to many who have not obtained their Irish leaving cert, this way you join a programme for training a new generation of practitioners (i.e. trade or profession) with on-the-job training and often some accompanying study. Similarly, there are many instances of successful people who did not obtain either, a college degree or an Irish leaving Cert .

The “hard road” is not to be ignored as a legitimate career path, it has as much value in shaping our Irish youth as every other career sector routes.