Teachers call for oral exams to be held during term instead of Easter break

Unions had agreed to the holding of oral examinations at Easter on an exceptional basis during the Covid-19 pandemic, but they are now seeking for the exam timetable to return to the pre-pandemic status quo.

Members of the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland (ASTI) unanimously supported a motion calling for Easter, mid-term break and weekends not to be used for the sitting of State examinations in the interest of student and staff wellbeing.

Today's News in 90 seconds - 2nd April 2024

Exams were once again held during the Easter break this year. ASTI delegates said students are facing burnout as a result, while teachers are giving up holidays to come into school during the exams.

Speaking at the ASTI’s annual convention at Clayton Whites Hotel in Wexford, delegate Jane O’Dwyer of the Tipperary branch said teachers “deserve to have their two weeks holidays off”.

“We are doing a total injustice to our students and I, as a French teacher, would like to see them put back into term time,” she said.

Bridget Carley, secretary of the Mullingar branch, said students need to get a break.

“The last week of school before Easter was extremely busy. They had computer science, PE and technology projects due. Then between April 23 and 28 they had their oral exams. Is this really necessary?

“There is no obligation for teachers to be present for the exams, but some feel pressured to be there.

“School transport also did not operate during the Easter break. This was another stress factor and obstacle. Our students deserve their Easter and mid-term breaks, they deserve the care and compassion we offer to them.”

Delegate Orla O’Callaghan of the west Mayo branch said teachers “are not robots” and “need their breaks”.

“We look at our students' stress levels rise week-in, week-out,” she said.

“Wellbeing is a huge issue. We need to do what we can to get orals back into term time.”

French teacher Eimear Holly said she witnesses first-hand the huge pressure students are under.

“In the visible curriculum, our students are being told wellbeing is extremely important. When they come to sixth year, their wellbeing is put aside so that exams can be run over Easter.

“Student voices are not being listened to. The department is paying lip service to our students and doing them a huge disservice.”

The Irish Second Level Students Union (ISSU) had said students are put under undue pressure by taking the orals during Easter.

It said it cuts into a deserved holiday period in which both students and teachers need to rest, particularly for those who take on more than one oral examination.