Sir, - The media have repeatedly drawn attention to the issue of student distress caused by the ASTI dispute. However, it is likely that the public has not been made aware of the stress and strain which will result from the Education Department's scheduling of this years Leaving Certificate. In order to amalgamate examination centres as quickly as possible (for cost-cutting reasons?) the Department has, in recent years, timetabled the most popular subjects during the first week of written tests. Thus English is scheduled for day one of the examinations, with candidates needing to report no later than 9 a.m. for Paper One, which lasts from 9.30 a.m. to 12.20 p.m. Paper Two commences at 1.30 p.m. and continues until 4.50 p.m. Similarly demanding schedules will affect candidates in other subjects in the early days of the examinations.
Given that the Leaving Certificate is of such vital importance, I fail to understand how the Department expects candidates to give of their best under such a mentally and physically draining schedule. Is Mr Woods aware of the situation? If not, he should be told. - Yours, etc.,
Jim O'Sullivan, Ballyraine Park, Letterkenny, Co Donegal.