Sir, - I fully endorse the sentiments expressed by Gearoid Kilgallen (August 22nd) regarding undue stress resulting from gratuitous media attention before, during and after examinations. As a person who has being "doing" the Junior and Leaving Certificate exams for more years than I care to remember (I am a teacher), even I fall victim to the media's unmitigated predictions and analysis of exam papers year after year.
Having spent the past year studying, I now know at first hand once again the inner panic and trepidation of realising that one's future is mapped out by a few weeks' written exams - and my future does not depend on my results. As adults, we should have enough gumption to ensure that our examinees are provided with secure, supportive and stress-free environments before and during exams - and particularly before and after the results.
It is also most upsetting to read, hear and see the media's hyperbole-laden results coverage of the "A" candidates. The majority of examinees are made up of those who often work hard, do not reach the A1 standard (let's face it, how many of us would?), but will contribute as much or perhaps more than the "A" candidates to Irish society.
It is an indictment of Irish society (as represented in the media), that all we seem to worry about is whether or not our teenagers will go to college and what faculties they will join. We should analyse the inherent messages we are passing on to the next generation. We ourselves may be the victims of a society whose only apparent yardstick is high academic achievement (and the "package" that will ensue), disregarding other aspects of personal achievement and development which may perhaps lead to a more inclusive and egalitarian society. - Yours, etc., MARY RYAN,
Malahide,
Co Dublin.