Update to Leaving Cert 2020

13th May 2020

Dear Parent/Leaving Certificate Student/Teacher (as appropriate),

Yesterday, the Department of Education and Skills announced some additional details regarding the remainder of the school year for Leaving Certificate students and the process of assigning calculated grades. This is the text of the additional information.

“When does tuition to final year Leaving Certificate students cease, given that calculated grades are being put in place?

As of 11 May 2020, tuition (whether online or in other ways) ceased for sixth-year leaving certificate students. This applies to the Leaving Certificate established, Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) and Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP).

No additional work will be accepted from students from this date. Teachers and students may not discuss the student’s achievement in the subject over the past two years. Nor can they discuss the student’s ranking in a class, or their estimated mark or the level at which an estimated mark is to be provided in a subject.

However, students remain students of the school until the end of the school term. In terms of the school’s role in supporting the wellbeing of Leaving Certificate students, the role of the Student Support Team as set out in the guidance issued recently to schools, should remain available until the end of the school term”.

The DES website also provides a link to the National Education Psychological Service (NEPS) .

This information is available on the Department of Education and Skills website in the FAQ section of the announcement titled “08 May 2020 – Minister announces postponement of 2020Leaving Certificate examinations

There remains a considerable number of outstanding questions in relation to how the process of assigning calculated grades will operate and how students will be able to avail of the opportunity to sit the examination if they so choose. Cork Education and Training Board, on behalf of the school, is continuing to liaise with the Department of Education and Skills in seeking answers to these questions.

As we receive more information and updates, we will keep you informed.

Yours faithfully

Donal O’ Sullivan

Principal