IVEA issues practical advice and tips for Leaving Cert students and their families

The Irish Vocational Education Association today issues practical advice and tips for Leaving Certificate students and their families in advance of the examinations commencing across the country on June 9th. The organisation is uniquely positioned to give authoritative advice, being the representative body for Ireland’s thirty three Vocational Education Committees, which has responsibility for up to 100,000 second level pupils across 250 second level schools.

Education Research Officer at the IVEA and previously secondary school principal with over 20 years experience Pat O’Mahony, calls on students facing into the exams to keep their perspective and offers these constructive tips and observations.

'The Leaving Certificate is a significant milestone in the life of a young person and it is important that each student does his/her best in the examination – having regard to all the other things going on in a young person’s life. However, the Leaving Certificate is not in any sense the only door to the future. There will be bright futures for all, notwithstanding current economic difficulties, provided students believe in themselves, pursue their own unique interests and acknowledge that they have some responsibility for the health, happiness and welfare of those they work with, live with and play with.'

He continues, 'young people leaving school this year are presented with a host of opportunities to be almost anything their aptitudes and interests predispose them to being. Furthermore, by the time they leave college or whatever training programme they take up, the economy should be on the mend and they will be well placed to take advantage of the economic upswing.'

'Important and all as the Leaving Certificate is, it is not in any sense the full measure of a young persons’ worth. Attitudes, interests and aptitudes will be much more significant determinants of a young person’s life trajectory. Indeed, the young person’s attitude is going to be the most significant determinant – because it is the one thing the young person can change. Attitude is everything,' he advises.

On the issue of focus, O’Mahony observes 'students need to maintain their focus as much as possible during the examination period; there will be plenty time for sport and socialising when it is over and, like most other things in life, it will be over in a flash. Also, those doing the Leaving Certificate will need to ensure that they eat well, get plenty of sleep and are as fresh as possible at the beginning of each day. Staying up late studying should be avoided as much as possible – though one can never say never. Each individual is different.'

With a huge number of students sitting the exams every year, O’Mahony offers the positive reminder to students: 'it is important to remember that some 60,000 students sit the Leaving Certificate each year and survive the experience. So there is no reason to believe that you will not cope. Of course, you will be nervous but that is not necessarily a bad thing.  Everyone else is nervous too and this nervousness will be what will help you to do your best in the examination.'

With regard to the actual exams themselves, he stresses 'it is vital that students take time to read all questions very carefully, marking key points as they do so, before they commence writing their answers. Don’t worry if all the details don’t come to you when you read the question, there is every possibility that they will pop into your mind as you answer other questions and, if they do jot them down immediately. Also, before you even read the question paper, jot down any important formulae or facts that you might be worried about forgetting.'

Over-studying in short periods of time can be detrimental, advises O’Mahony: 'most students will have gaps in their examination time table. These ‘rest days’ can be used to revise material for later exams BUT it would be important not to over do it during these days – as you need to remain fresh for the examinations.'

Finally, on a positive and supportive note, O’Mahony has this comment for family members of leaving cert students: 'parents and other members of the family are very much part of the examination process. The time for nagging is over. It is now a time for support and encouragement.'

'The IVEA wish all students undertaking the Leaving Certificate exams the very best of luck,' he concludes.