‘Look after yourself, take rest, exercise, maintain social connection’ students told

ASTI President Elect Geraldine O’Brien has praised this year’s Leaving and Junior Cert students who begin their exams today.

 “Your teachers are so proud of you and are excited to see you move towards the next stage of your lives,” said Ms O’Brien.

The ASTI President Elect said this year’s Junior Cert students had a difficult transition from primary to second-level education in 2020, experiencing school closures at the end of primary school and further disruption as First Years.  Leaving Cert students also lived through significant disruption and did not get to experience sitting 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 added that students sitting the 2023 State exams will benefit from a trusted, independent exams process.

“Students can be assured of fairness, equity and transparency – all issues which were brought to the fore during the pandemic,” said Geraldine O’Brien.

“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.”