One in seven students is now availing of exam supports as demand rises

LEAVING and Junior Cert exams kick off tomorrow, with one in seven candidates now getting support to help them to overcome a special need, such as a learning difficulty, physical disability or behavioural condition.

Overall, 120,967 candidates will sit the exams, including 57,999 for the Leaving Cert.

The 62,968 entered for the Junior Cert is a reflection of population growth that will continue through to the Leaving Cert in coming years.

This year sees a further increase in applications by Leaving Cert students to sit maths at higher level, fuelled by the provision of bonus CAO points for a minimum 40pc mark.

Rising demand for what is known as a “reasonable accommodation” – which allows a student with special needs to access the exam on an equal basis with their peers – has accelerated since an easing of the rules in 2016 and 2017.

The State Examinations Commission (SEC) provides a range of accommodations, such as a magnifier for a student with visual impairment, a spelling waiver for a candidate with dyslexia, and setting up an exam centre in a hospital.

There has been particularly large growth in demand for word processors, often sought by students with a learning difficulty, such as dyslexia.

There were 1,808 provided in 2017, compared with 1,530 in 2016 and 726 in 2014. Such students no longer have to produce a diagnosis, and eligibility is based on attainment in spelling and reading tests.

The overall number of accommodations to be provided during the 2018 exams will not be known until they are over, because emergencies may arise, but the figures for last year, now released by the SEC, show the clear trend.

In 2017, 17,661 students sought a reasonable accommodation – almost 15pc of all candidates – up from 16,764 in 2016 and 15,574 in 2014. In 2010, it was 10,025 candidates.

Rules

A relaxation of the rules in what is known as the Scheme of Reasonable Accommodation at the Certificate Examinations (RACE), followed pressure from guidance counsellors, the Ombudsman for Children and parents, who often ended up in the High Court battling for exams support for their children.

Samaritans Ireland has issued an eve of exams appeal for students, parents and teachers to put student well-being ahead of grades.

Cindy O’Shea, regional director for the Samaritans, said the weeks ahead can be a stressful time not only for the young person, but also for other family members.

“We would urge anyone involved in exams and supporting young people to ensure students look after their emotional health. That way they are likely to cope better with the stress of exams, and achieve better too,” she said.