Moynihan critical of English only grading application portal
THE failure to provide an Irish language version of the online application form for Leaving Cert students when the calculated grading portal was first opened this week was sharply criticised by Cork North West TD Aindrias Moynihan.
The online application process became live at the beginning of this week as students were asked to opt for calculated grades or to sit a rescheduled Leaving Certificate written exam later in the year.
According to Deputy Moynihan, however, the launch of the online application process led to confusion for students in Gaeltacht post primary schools and Gaelcholáistí because there was no option to fill in the forms as Gaeilge.
“It was confusing for the students who contacted me about it this morning,” he said.
“As students in Irish medium schools they thought they would have to register in Irish and when that option wasn’t available, they weren’t sure what to do.”
The problem was resolved and an Irish language option available by Wednesday morning but, according to the TD, it had sent the wrong message to Gaeltacht and Gaelcholáiste students.
“This sent the message that the Irish language was in second place and that was unfortunate,” said the TD.
By Tuesday night approximately 38,000 of 60,000 Leaving Certificate students had registered whether they wished to get calculated grades or sit a written exam. They also had to state whether they wished to be examined at a higher or ordinary level for the different exam subjects.
Some schools are facing issues as teachers have no access to the copy books of the students as a source material for the grades which they will be giving.
Training courses were underway this week to give guidance to teachers on how they could give grades to their students for this years exams.