Covid defers Leaving Cert oral exams
THE State Examination Commission (SEC) has cancelled the oral examinations of up to 500 Leaving Cert students from this weekend.
A spokesman for the SEC confirmed yesterday it had advised seven schools that some Irish oral exams due to take place from this weekend must be postponed as the examiners are unable to attend because of Covid outbreaks in those areas.
Approximately 500 students are affected from the total of 52,000 taking exams in the subject.
One concerned mother told the Irish Mail on Sunday her daughter’s school was informed only the night before her Irish oral exam on Friday.
‘My daughter’s school has been informed in the last hour that the Irish Leaving Cert orals – which were supposed to begin tomorrow morning – have now been postponed for a month as they couldn’t get the two examiners required for 120 students… No respect for students yet again this year.’
The SEC spokesman described the delay as ‘unfortunate and regrettable’ but unavoidable. In a statement the SEC said, ‘Information has been provided to the affected schools to support communication with students and parents… The SEC has apologised to the Leaving Certificate students concerned that it has been necessary to reschedule these examinations.
‘Students will receive more details of their rescheduled examination from their school closer to the time. Unfortunately and regrettably, deferring these examinations at short notice is a necessary step due to high rates of Covid-19.’