School pupils in the Republic have been praised for their “remarkable resilience and adaptability” as they begin their Leaving and Junior Cert exams.
Geraldine O’Brien is President Elect of the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland (ASTI) and urged students to look after themselves during what can often be a stressful period.
“Your teachers are so proud of you and are excited to see you move towards the next stage of your lives,” she said.
With the disruption of the pandemic causing “significant disruption” to normal routines in recent years, she said that Junior Cert students had a difficult transition from primary to secondary school while Leaving Cert students did not get to sit State exams at the end of their Junior Cycle.
“The young people starting their exams today demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability at a time of great uncertainty, something that will stand to them in their future lives,” said Ms O’Brien.
She assured that students would benefit from a trusted and independent exams process.
“To all of our exam students I say, please ensure you keep things in perspective. These are just exams and regardless of the outcome, life will present you with many more opportunities in the years to come.
“Look after yourself, take rest, exercise and maintain social connection in the weeks ahead.
“To everyone involved in this year’s Junior Cert and Leaving Cert exams – students and their parents, teachers, and the people engaged in exams work – I wish you every success over the coming weeks.”
