Minister for Education Joe McHugh is due to bring his recommendations on ‘cancelling’ this year’s Leaving Cert exams before the Cabinet today.
McHugh is set to outline his alternative ‘Plan B’ arrangements to award students predicted grades.
Post-primary teachers will be instructed to choose students’ grades based on their class rankings and previous test and exam results. School principals and senior managers will oversee the grading process.
It is reported that students will also be offered the option to sit the final exams if they are unhappy with their predicted grades. However, it will not be possible for the exams to take place before the new college year.
The cancellation of the traditional State exams has come as a relief to many students, amid rising concerns about the pressure of continuing with studies until 29th July. The safety of holding exams in schools was called into question in recent weeks.
Speaking after a meeting with key stakeholders this week, Minister McHugh said his decision on the Leaving Cert would “have students’ best interests at heart” and be guided by public health advice.