Top tips for exam students
WHILE facing into a state examination can be a stressful enough experience, for students across county Wexford anxiety levels have risen further in the wake of school closures and other measures aimed at combating the spread of coronavirus.
When An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar made the announcement that all schools and colleges were to close their doors, it was a decision that carried major implications for exam students in particular. While the current climate sees us living day to day, unable to predict what will happen in the future, currently there are still hopes that the Junior Cert and Leaving Cert exams will proceed in some form and students are being encouraged to continue studying as much as possible from home.
County Councillor and Deputy Principal at the CBS Secondary School in Wexford, John Hegarty, has emphasised the importance of students setting a routine at home, with teachers doing their best to make themselves available for advice where possible.
‘All of the schools will have e-learning platforms up and running,’ he said. ‘I think the important thing is to maintain a routine. If students haven’t already set a routine, now is the time to do it, because the more time that passes the harder it’ll become. They should keep a routine of getting up in the morning and doing their bit of work up to lunchtime.’
As well as routine, Cllr Hegarty says that teachers have been trying to make resources available and are contactable should students encounter a problem.
‘Students will have access to conversations with teachers by email and other means,’ he said. ‘I know some schools are even doing virtual classes. In the case of exam classes, most of the course will be covered and it’s just a case of revision. Between contact with students via email and contact with the school, there is a good solid base there. A lot of the e-learning platforms are now going to be available free of charge or at a greatly reduced cost now too. There shouldn’t be too much difficulty in getting on with work. It does require more focus and discipline though.’
‘It is tough on students,’ he continued. ‘It’s a stressful enough time for them without this whole situation adding to it. I would say though that kids are a lot more tech-savvy nowadays though and they will find a way around it. Some will manage it quite effectively.’
In relation to what allowances will be made or what form the state examinations will take, Cllr Hegarty, like the rest of us can only guess.
‘We don’t have anything to compare this to,’ he said. ‘Whether it be on the marking or with extra time or whatever, I do think extra allowances will have to be made for this year’s exam classes. I suppose it all depends on how long this goes on and how long students are out of school for.’
It was announced on Thursday that all oral and practical examinations are now cancelled and each student would receive full marks. Cllr Hegarty did encourage students across the county to stay in contact with their schools though, by whatever means possible, and to continue their work and revision from home.