Want to revisit the Primary Cert?

HALF a century ago the last Primary Cert exams were held in Ireland and, to remember those testing times, former Scoil Cill Mhic a’ Dhomhnaigh principal Seán Ó Catháin hopes to organise a reunion of those who sat the exam in 1967, before going on to second level education or out into the world of work.

The abolition of the exam coincided with the introduction of free education, making 1967 an historic year for education in Ireland. However, the abolition of the Primary Cert is lamented to this day, and it is frequently argued that people were better able to read, write and do their sums when they faced a test at the end of primary school.

On the online discussion forum, politics.ie, a recent commentator argues that: “Irish third level lecturers complain that many students are not coached in basic grammar, punctuation, spelling and essay writing… One solution would be restoration of the Primary Certificate. Many educators say that would prove too stressful for children but going through life semi literate for lack of rigorous instruction is far more stressful.”

The truth, or otherwise, of that claim would no doubt make good fodder for discussion at the reunion Seán hopes to organise.

“If you were one of the pupils who sat that famous examination in 1967 or thereabouts we would like to hear from you with a view to organising a reunion to relive those memories and maybe have another go at that exam,”said Seán.

Seán asks people to spread the word and contact him at 086 8044416 or seanocathain6@gmail.com.