Independent TD Verona Murphy has said the Government is inflicting mental torture on students by making them sit the biggest test of their lives during a global pandemic.
Speaking from Wexford today, Deputy Murphy said her phone has been hopping with students and their parents calling, expressing concern about Education minister Joe McHugh’s announcement that the exams will be held either in late July or early August, subject to public health advice.
Deputy Murphy said:
“These students have spent their entire lives preparing for this exam and that preparation has been disrupted in the greatest way possible. Their daily routines have been upended. It’s not fair for them to be asked to continue as normal during the worst health crisis in a century.
“I’m calling on the department to put more thought into finding a workable solution. There is no one size fits all here. Some students are happy to sit their exams in the Summer, but for more it’s too much to take on board in the current crisis; it’s mental torture. There are students who are at home minding younger siblings because both parents are working. There are students who have a relation who has contracted the virus. They are already in a heightened state going into exams which many have put their entire beings into and that was in normal circumstances. These are not normal circumstances.”
Deputy Murphy said the lack of mental health services in counties like Wexford could precipitate a massive mental health crisis after the exams as students are not mentally or academically prepared to face into their Leaving Cert this year.
“Judging by the huge amount of reaction from students who are at home since March 12, they don’t want this. While teachers have made great efforts in many incidences to keep their students in touch with their subjects, many, especially in rural areas, don’t have adequate broadband at home. All of these issues are leading to a significant build-up of anxiety, coupled with the fact that they are sitting the biggest test of their lives. It could be completely disastrous for some of them.”
Teenagers don’t have the life experience adults have. Even children about to have their Communion are very upset that the ceremonies have been postponed. For many teenagers, the Leaving Cert is the biggest thing in their lives.
“I am calling on the Minister to reconsider his decision and to engage in further consultation with teachers’ representative bodies and students who deserve to be listened to. A significant effort should be put into this, not just a survey. Many students are worried about having to return to a classroom setting during this health crisis and that is understandable considering all that is happening”
