Leaving Cert Exam Critiqued: Does It Fairly Measure Student Ability?

The Leaving Cert: A Fair Measure of Ability? Professor Katriona O’Sullivan, a senior lecturer who overcame significant personal challenges to earn a PhD, recently appeared on Ireland AM to discuss her concerns about the Leaving Certificate exam in Ireland. She argues that the exam is not a fair measure of a student's ability and disproportionately affects working-class students. "We have young people thinking, if I don't get that A, it's because I'm not clever. That is so wrong," she stated. O’Sullivan's own journey, from leaving school young and working as a cleaner to earning a PhD, exemplifies the limitations of judging potential solely on exam results. She points out that factors like parental education and school quality significantly influence student performance, creating systemic inequalities. Her interview highlights the need for a more holistic approach to assessing student potential and addressing the systemic disparities within the Irish education system. The discussion underscores the importance of supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds and recognizing that academic success is not solely determined by exam results.